Sambalpur: The Hirakud Dam released the season’s first flood water Tuesday after rains lashed the upper catchments for three days following increase in water level.
The dam opened three sluice gates at around 12 pm following a ceremonial Puja at the dam’s site in the presence of several district officials. The flood water released by the dam will reach Mundali barrage in next 36 hours.
Sambalpur Collector Samarth Verma said, “Currently, flood water is being released through three gates. The dam will open 15 more gates in a phased manner. Five more gates will be opened Tuesday by evening.”
While the dam has storage capacity of 630-feet, its water level stood at 618 feet by 10 AM today. Sources said 1,40,899 cusecs water per second is now entering the dam while 12,121 cusecs water per second is being released from the reservoir.
Dam authorities said the water level is likely to further rise in view of more rains predicted by the met office.
Meanwhile, people residing in low lying areas are in panic in view of possible flood after opening of the dam gates. They have been asked to remain alert to avoid any kind of eventuality.
