Sambalpur: In response to the increasing water levels caused by continuous rainfall, authorities have opened four additional sluice gates of the Hirakud Dam, bringing the total number of open gates to eight. Currently, five gates on the left bank and three on the right bank are discharging excess floodwater.
Over the past few days, various regions across the state have witnessed persistent rainfall due to a prevailing low-pressure system. The situation has been further aggravated by intense showers in the upper catchment areas, leading to a significant rise in the reservoir’s water level.
As a precautionary measure to manage the inflow and prevent potential overflow, dam authorities have opted to release the excess water. Several low-lying areas are already experiencing flood-like conditions as a result of the heavy rains and water discharge.
Officials are closely monitoring the situation, and further action will be taken based on rainfall and inflow data from the upstream regions.
