Sambalpur: The Odisha government and the Hirakud reservoir authorities has decided to close two gates of the Hirakud Dam following a drop in the inflow of water into the reservoir.
A noticeable decrease in the water levels has been marked due to a decrease in rainfall in upper and lower catchment areas of the Mahanadi river system.
Currently, the flood water is being discharged through 18 gates of the reservoir. The flood water is being discharged through 12 sluice gates on the left side of the dam and six sluice gates on the south side of the dam.
The authorities informed that, the decision regarding the closing of some gates of the Hirakud Dam had been taken on Wednesday. Following the closing of the gates, there has been a decrease in water in the Mundali barrage, said reliable reports. A maximum of 4 lakh 85 thousand 430 cusecs of water flowed into Mundali at 12:00 am (midnight) yesterday. However, while the water level has remained stable since midnight yesterday, at 6 am today, 4 lakh 80 thousand cusecs of water is being drained. The water level in Mundli upstream is 87.80 feet and downstream is 84.90 feet. Hence a flood risk is unlikely.
The Hirakud Dam in Odisha’s Sambalpur district released the season’s flood water on July 28, informed the officials. The sluice gates of the dam opened after the ceremonial puja which was held at 8 am. A total of 20 sluice gates were opened in a phase wise manner.
SRC had instructed Collectors of Sambalpur, Sonepur, Nayagarh, Puri, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur and Kendrapara to remain alert and monitor the situation.
