Sambalpur, Jul 6: In a significant hydrological development, the Hirakud Dam authorities are set to open its gates on Sunday at 10:00 am to release floodwaters for the first time this year.

This decision comes in response to the rising water levels caused by heavy inflow from Chhattisgarh’s Kalma Barrage, whose gates were already opened.

Following ceremonial rituals, gate number 7 will be the first to be opened, preceded by the sounding of sirens to alert nearby populations. Over the day, a total of six gates are scheduled to be opened in a phased manner to ease reservoir pressure.

As of 6:00 am on Sunday, the water level at Hirakud Dam stood at 609.06 feet against its full reservoir level of 630 feet. The dam is receiving an inflow of 1,22,906 cusecs, prompting proactive measures for controlled discharge.

To ensure public safety, district authorities across 12 downstream districts have been notified in advance. Residents living near the banks of the Mahanadi and its tributaries have been urged to stay alert. Movement near the river is restricted during the gate-opening hours, and warning sirens have been deployed to signal key timings.

This annual operation, although routine, remains critical for flood management and safeguarding millions of lives and properties downstream. Officials are closely monitoring water inflow and discharge metrics to determine additional gate operations based on real-time data.

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