Sambalpur: Four gates of Hirakud Dam in Odisha’s Sambalpur district have been opened again to discharge excess water that entered the reservoir following heavy rain in the upper catchment areas of Mahanadi River.
Following an official order, dam authorities have opened a total of four sluice gates, three on the left side and one on the right side, to release excess water from the reservoir.
Officials said on Sunday that the gates were opened following a steady rise in the water level in the dam following incessant rainfall in the upstream areas. Dam officials are closely monitoring the water level and the inflow situation.
With the opening of gates, the authorities have issued an alert for the downstream areas of the Mahanadi River. Residents in low-lying areas have been advised to remain cautious as the discharged water is expected to increase the river’s flow.
It may be noted that the dam authorities had opened ten gates earlier on July 9 following rise in water level in the reservoir. Some gates were subsequently closed as the water inflow dropped.