Sambalpur: Eight sluice gates of Hirakud dam in Sambalpur were opened in two phases on Saturday to regulate the rising water level in the reservoir following heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas.
While four sluice gates of the dam were opened in the morning, the authorities opened four more gates in the afternoon to release excess water as flow into the reservoir continued to rise due to heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas of the Mahanadi River.
Officials said a total of eight sluice gates — three on the left side and five on the right — are now discharging water from the reservoir.
The district administration has already issued an advisory, cautioning people not to venture into the Mahanadi River as water flow is expected to increase downstream following release of excess water. Villagers living along the river banks have also been alerted to remain vigilant.
The Hirakud Reservoir is currently experiencing a rise in its water level, which stood at 620.50 feet.
According to Hirakud dam officials, the reservoir is witnessing a significant inflow of 2,52,455 cusecs, while the outflow stands at 31,525 cusecs. The outflow is being managed through various channels, including the power channel, which is releasing 27,444 cusecs of water.
This apart, 214 cusecs of water are being allocated for industrial use, and 3,039 cusecs are being routed through various canals.
