Sambalpur: The authorities of Hirakud dam in Odisha’s Sambalpur opened two sluice gates on Wednesday to release excess water from the reservoir.
According to sources, two sluice gates were opened this evening to drain out the excess water accumulated in the reservoir due to rain in upper catchment areas of Mahanadi river.
As per information, one sluice gate each on the left and right sides of the dam were opened.
The water level of the reservoir at Hirakud now stands at 628.10 feet against the full reservoir capacity of 630 feet and heavy rain is likely to lash the upper catchment areas in next 24 hours under the influence of a low pressure formed over the Bay of Bengal.
The dam has been receiving around 27,464 cusec water from the upper catchment area and releasing around 24,760 cusec into Mahanadi through the power channel. After two sluice gates are opened, the outflow would be over 30,000 cusec.
If the flow of water into the reservoir increases further, more sluice gates can be opened, if necessary, the sources said, adding that the Hirakud dam authorities are constantly monitoring the situation.
