Sambalpur, Aug. 17 (UDN): The Hirakud Dam authorities opened five more sluice gates on Monday morning as the reservoir continued to receive a heavy inflow of water amid ongoing rainfall across the region.

 Representational Image 

With the latest opening, floodwater is now being released through seven sluice gates—five on the left side and two on the right side. Two gates had already been opened earlier.

According to the reservoir status issued at 8 am, the water level stood at 619 feet and was continuing to rise. The average inflow into the reservoir was recorded at 1,71,478 cusecs, against an average outflow of 66,009 cusecs.

Of the total discharge, around 31,038 cusecs was being released through the spillway and 30,633 cusecs through the power channel. The remaining water was being utilised or released through irrigation, industrial and other channels.

The live storage of the reservoir was reported at 2.320 million acre-feet, equivalent to around 59 per cent of its full capacity.

Meanwhile, power generation from the Burla and Chiplima powerhouses stood at approximately 271.875 MW.

With the water level and inflow continuing to rise, dam authorities are maintaining close surveillance of the reservoir and downstream conditions. Further decisions on opening additional gates will depend on the inflow, reservoir level and prevailing weather conditions.

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation to ensure the safe regulation of floodwater amid the ongoing spell of heavy rainfall in Odisha.