Sambalpur, Aug. 6 (UDN): Authorities on Thursday opened eight sluice gates of the Hirakud Dam to regulate the increasing inflow of water into the reservoir amid active monsoon conditions in Odisha.

 Representational Image 

According to officials, five gates on the left spillway and three on the right were opened at 9 a.m. to facilitate the controlled release of excess water and maintain the reservoir at a safe operating level.

At the time of release, the reservoir’s water level was recorded at 614.31 feet. The average inflow into the dam stood at 1,00,581 cusecs and was on the rise, while the average outflow was 1,56,753 cusecs, indicating a gradual discharge of accumulated water.

Most of the released water—1,21,760 cusecs—was discharged through the spillway. In addition, 30,987 cusecs flowed through the power channel, 3,777 cusecs was supplied through the canal system for irrigation, and 229 cusecs was allocated for industrial purposes.

Officials also monitored river discharge at key downstream locations. Water flow was recorded at 21,500 cusecs at Belgaon, 40,934 cusecs at Patharla, 2,37,000 cusecs at Khairmal, 2,83,000 cusecs at Barmul and 3,94,384 cusecs at Mundali.

The catchment area continued to receive rainfall, with 24.4 mm of precipitation recorded at Hirakud and 12.8 mm at Burla during the observation period.

Dam authorities said the release is part of routine reservoir management during the monsoon to balance rising inflows while ensuring the safety of downstream areas. They added that the situation is being monitored round the clock and further decisions on gate operations will depend on rainfall in the upstream catchment and inflow trends.