Hirakud Update / Hirakud Dam Opens Five More Gates as Water Level Rises

Sambalpur, Sep 26: Authorities at the Hirakud dam opened five additional gates on Saturday, taking the total number of sluice gates releasing water to 13, as the reservoir level rose to 629.58 feet, officials said.

Sambalpur: Hirakud Dam authorities have opened five more gates, taking the total number of gates discharging water to 13. Nine gates are open on the left side and four on the right, while the reservoir level stands at 629.58 ft. #Hirakud #Sambalpur #Odisha #ArgusNews pic.twitter.com/nZAWHpLkxp

— Argus News (@ArgusNews_in) September 26, 2026

According to officials, nine gates on the left side and four on the right side have been opened to discharge excess water. The move comes as part of flood management measures, with the dam authorities closely monitoring inflows and outflows.

The Hirakud reservoir, one of Asia’s longest earthen dams, plays a critical role in regulating the Mahanadi river system. With heavy rainfall in upstream catchment areas, water levels have been rising steadily, prompting the release of water to maintain safety margins.

Officials said the current discharge is being managed to balance flood control downstream while ensuring adequate storage for irrigation and power generation. The Water Resources Department has been coordinating with district administrations to monitor river levels and alert vulnerable areas.
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The dam’s full reservoir level is 630 feet, and the present level of 629.58 feet has necessitated controlled release. Authorities assured that the situation is under watch, with inflows expected to stabilize as rainfall intensity decreases.

Local administrations downstream have been advised to remain vigilant, particularly in low‑lying areas along the Mahanadi basin.