Hirakud Dam authorities have opened three additional sluice gates to manage rising water levels amid significant rainfall in the catchment areas.With this, a total of 10 gates (7 on the left and 3 on the right) are now operational.According to the latest gauge discharge data, several downstream stations are recording high flows. Khairmal reported the highest discharge at 2,41,500 cusecs with 31.4 mm cumulative rainfall, followed by Mundali at 1,60,938 cusecs and Barmul at 1,34,000 cusecs. Patharla registered 46,963 cusecs, while Belgaon stood at 17,500 cusecs.Rainfall has been notable in upstream regions, with Burla receiving 58.6 mm and Hirakud 43.5 mm. The average upstream rainfall stood at 40.17 mm, while downstream areas recorded 19.62 mm.Officials said the decision to open more gates was taken to safely release excess water and maintain reservoir levels. Water inflow and rainfall patterns across the Mahanadi basin continue to be closely monitored.
Hirakud Dam Opens 10 Gates, Downstream Stations Record High Discharge
