First Flood Waters From Hirakud Dam Released; Downstream District Collectors Instructed To Remain Alert

Bhubaneswar: The Hirakud Dam authorities have released the season’s first flood waters of Mahanadi River today morning. A traditional puja was performed and the first gate was opened at 8 AM today morning. As per information received, till now 14 gated have been opened and in total, 20 gates of the Dam will be opened in phases today. According to the Dam officials, the water level of Hirakud Dam stood at 614.93 ft against the full reservoir level of 630 ft. The inflow of water into the reservoir was recored at 3,16,611 cusecs.

Meanwhile, the Additional Special Relief Commissioner has written to the Collectors of lower Mahanadi basin to stay alert and make awareness among the people about the release of water. Collectors of Sambalpur, Subarnapur, Boudh, Nayagarh, Angul, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara and Puri have been asked to alert people of the river side not to enter into Mahanadi. “Due to opening of such gates, the Khairmal discharge would be around 4.50 lakh Cusecs on 29th July morning 8.00 AM and Mundali discharge would be around 5.00 lakh Cusecs by 30 July at 11.00 AM. It is requested to alert people of the river side not to enter into Mahanadi. Animals shall also not be allowed for grazing close to the river Mahanadi. The District Emergency Operation Centre shall be manned by senior officers of the district and closely monitor it so that no untoward incident happens”, the letter read.