Sambalpur: With the Mahanadi river catchment area getting heavy monsoon rains in the last few days, the water level at the Hirakud Dam is rising steadily. The Hirakud Dam water level currently stands at 613.12 feet. While the current inflow of water into the dam is 1,36,888 cusecs, the outflow is 40,092 cusecs.
The Hirakud Dam authorities have decided to open the first flood water gates on the 23rd of this month. All the downstream districts of Mahanadi have been cautioned regarding this. People are being made aware about the decision and all are requested not to enter the Mahanadi during the release of water.