Sambalpur: The Hirakud Dam authorities opened 11 more sluice gates Saturday, taking the total number of open gates to 16, to release excess water amid heavy rainfall in the upper catchment of the Mahanadi River.
The increased discharge comes as inflow into the reservoir continues to rise, prompting authorities to step up water release from the dam.
A senior Water Resources Department official said heavy rain in the upper catchment area had necessitated the opening of additional gates.
“We have to open more gates due to heavy rainfall in the upper catchment area of the Mahanadi River in Chhattisgarh,” the official said.
The official said the reservoir’s water level stood at 629.56 feet against the full reservoir level of 630 feet.
Authorities are closely monitoring the inflow, downstream river levels and the situation in flood-prone areas. People living along floodplains and in low-lying areas have been advised to remain alert.