Sambalpur, July 8 (UDN): The Odisha Water Resources Department has announced that the first floodwater of the 2026 monsoon season will be released from the Hirakud Dam on Thursday (July 9) as part of routine reservoir management. The operation will commence at 11.00 AM with the opening of four sluice gates, while additional gates may be opened later in the day depending on inflow conditions.
Officials said the controlled discharge has been planned following a steady rise in the reservoir’s water level due to continuous rainfall in the Mahanadi river basin. The water level at the Hirakud reservoir stood at 611.23 feet on Wednesday, with an inflow of approximately 2.62 lakh cusecs.
In the initial phase, nearly one lakh cusecs of water will be released into the Mahanadi River to create additional storage capacity in anticipation of further monsoon inflows. Authorities said the reservoir level will be gradually reduced to accommodate future spells of heavy rainfall during the season.
The Water Resources Department clarified that the release is a precautionary and well-planned measure and is not expected to trigger flooding in downstream areas. Water discharge at Mundali has already declined from 5.54 lakh cusecs to around 4.80 lakh cusecs, and the flow is expected to recede further in the coming days.
A high-level flood management review meeting is being held at Hirakud under the chairmanship of the Central Water Commission (CWC). Senior officials from the governments of Odisha and Chhattisgarh, along with members of the Flood Crisis Management Team, are assessing reservoir operations and formulating strategies for effective flood management during the remainder of the monsoon.
The department said the timing and volume of water discharge would be continuously monitored and adjusted in line with rainfall forecasts and inflows into the reservoir.
Authorities have advised residents living along the Mahanadi riverbanks to remain alert and avoid entering the river during the release period. District administrations in downstream areas have also been instructed to maintain close coordination and disseminate public safety advisories as a precaution.
The Hirakud Dam, one of India’s largest multipurpose river valley projects, plays a crucial role in flood moderation, irrigation, hydropower generation and water supply across Odisha. Officials emphasised that the planned release is part of standard monsoon reservoir operations aimed at ensuring both dam safety and effective flood management.