According to reports, sluice gate no.7 was opened after following a formal ‘puja’ as part of the practice. Dam authorities had earlier cautioned people not to venture into the river during the release of water.
Notably, the opening of dam gates depends on the quantum of rainfall on the upper catchment area of the Mahanadi and varies on a daily basis. The decision to open the dam gates was taken after flood water in large quantity was witnessed entering Hirakud over the last few days.
A formal announcement about the release of water from Hirakud was made yesterday by the dam authorities.