Sambalpur, July 8: The Hirakud Dam authorities in Odisha announced that the first floodwater release of the season will take place on July 9 at 11 a.m., following traditional rituals. Four gates will be opened initially, with more gates to be operated later in the day to discharge up to one lakh cusecs of water, officials said on Wednesday.

Official sources said the decision was taken as the reservoir level has risen to 611.23 feet, with inflow touching 2.62 lakh cusecs due to heavy rainfall in Chhattisgarh. The Kalma Barrage upstream has already opened 46 gates, adding to the inflow into Hirakud.

At Munduli, the discharge has reduced from 5.54 lakh cusecs on Tuesday night to 4.80 lakh cusecs on Wednesday, and is expected to decline further. Authorities have clarified that there is no immediate flood threat in downstream districts.
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Ahead of the release, the Water Resources Department has begun awareness drives in low-lying areas. Officials are using autos fitted with loudspeakers to caution residents and fishermen against entering the Mahanadi and its tributaries during the discharge. The administration has also issued advisories to district authorities along the river basin.

The dam authorities said preparations are complete, and the number of gates to be opened will depend on the water level and inflow conditions. With inflows expected to push the reservoir level to 612–613 feet by Thursday, the release is aimed at maintaining safe storage levels.