Sambalpur: With the water level of the Hirakud reservoir in Odisha’s Sambalpur rising since Wednesday, the authorities opened eight more sluice gates on Saturday to release excess floodwaters.
The reservoir authorities opened 20 gates in the last two days.
According to sources, the water level of the reservoir has been rising due to heavy rain in the upper catchment areas of Mahanadi River. Currently, the dam is releasing the floodwaters through 28 sluice gates.
“6 lakh cusec water will reach Mundali by tomorrow 8 am, while the water level in Baitarani and Jalka are increasing,” said Bijay Kumar Mishra to the media.
The Hirakud dam released this season’s first floodwaters into the Mahanadi River on July 18.
People living in low-lying areas have been warned not to venture into the river.
