20 Sluice Gates of Hirakud Dam To Be Opened In Phases Today to Release Season’s First Flood Water

Sambalpur: Floodwater was being discharged through five gates on the north side of the Hirakud Dam at 9.30 am on Sunday as the dam authorities started releasing season’s first floodwater from the reservoir.

The gates were opened to discharge the excess water in the reservoir following the ritualistic puja.

According to reports, the Hirakud dam authorities will open 20 gates on Sunday in three phases at 9.30 am, 12.30 pm and 2.30 pm respectively.

Due to the opening of 20 gates, the Khairmal discharge would be around 4.50 lakh causes on July 29 morning and the Mundali discharge will be around 5.00 lakh cusecs by 30 July at 11.00 am, officials said.

The Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) has instructed Collectors of Sambalpur, Sonepur, Nayagarh, Puri, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur and Kendrapada to remain alert and warn people against entry into the river. People have also been asked to refrain from grazing animals close to the river. Collectors are also asked to monitor the situation, SRC office said.