Sambalpur: The Hirakud reservoir administration reopened four sluice gates Sunday as rising rainfall in the upper catchment increased the inflow of floodwater into the reservoir, which is nearing its maximum storage level.
With the latest opening, a total of five sluice gates are now releasing additional floodwater into the Mahanadi, according to information available at 12:30 pm Sunday.
The reservoir’s water level stood at 629.31 feet at the time. The average inflow was recorded at 125,095 cusecs, while the total outflow stood at 116,970 cusecs.
Of the total discharge, 81,925 cusecs was being released through five sluice gates, including three on the left side and two on the right. Another 31,197 cusecs was being released through the power channel, while 3,072 cusecs was flowing through the Baragada Canal, 450 cusecs through the Sason Canal and 105 cusecs through the Sambalpur Canal.
A further 221 cusecs were being released for industrial use.
The increased inflow comes amid heavier rainfall in the reservoir’s upper catchment, prompting authorities to regulate the water level through additional gate operations.
