Sambalpur, Jul 9: The Hirakud Dam on Thursday released the season's first floodwater after authorities opened four sluice gates following the customary puja, with officials stating that there is no immediate flood threat to downstream districts along the Mahanadi river.

Gate No. 7 on the left spillway was opened first at 11:30 am, in keeping with the annual tradition. Three more gates, including one on the right spillway, were subsequently opened, taking the total number of operational gates to four. Authorities said five additional gates are likely to be opened by evening, depending on the volume of inflows into the reservoir.

Floodwater to Reach Mundali in 36-40 Hours
Hirakud Dam Chief Engineer Pratap Chandra Chowdhury said the released floodwater is expected to reach Mundali in Cuttack district within 36 to 40 hours.

"As per tradition, the first floodwater was released after the customary rituals. Gate No. 7 on the left spillway was opened first at 11:30 am, followed by three more gates. Depending on the inflow, another five gates may be opened by evening," Chaudhury said.

He said that at 12 noon, the reservoir's water level stood at 615.15 feet, with an inflow of 1.31 lakh cusecs and an outflow of 89,791 cusecs through the four open gates.

The ceremonial opening of the gates was carried out in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, who is on a visit to Sambalpur.

No Immediate Flood Threat
Despite the controlled release of floodwater, officials said there is no flood threat to Odisha at present.

The Chief Engineer said future gate operations would depend entirely on rainfall in the upper catchment areas and the volume of water entering the reservoir over the coming days.

The increased inflow follows heavy rainfall in Chhattisgarh, where 61 gates of the Kalma Barrage have already been opened. Officials said all gates of the barrage may be opened if rainfall continues, which could further increase inflows into the Hirakud reservoir.

Districts Put on Alert
Authorities have placed all downstream districts on alert as a precautionary measure.

Collectors of 12 districts located downstream of the Mahanadi have been instructed to closely monitor river conditions and sensitise people living in low-lying areas. Sirens and public announcements have also been made, while fishermen and members of the public have been advised to stay away from the river during the water release.

Meanwhile, the Sambalpur district administration has declared the Hirakud Dam and surrounding areas a 'No-Flying Zone', prohibiting the use of drones and other aerial devices without prior permission to safeguard the critical infrastructure.

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Tourists Gather to Witness Water Release
The annual release of floodwater drew large crowds to the dam, with visitors from Hirakud and nearby areas gathering to witness the cascading water.

People assembled at various vantage points to watch the spectacular water discharge, which remains one of the region's most anticipated monsoon events.

Officials said the release of floodwater is a routine reservoir management exercise and assured that the situation is being continuously monitored to ensure public safety.