Sambalpur, Sept 8: The Hirakud dam released this season’s second phase of flood water on Wednesday as the water level in its reservoir increased due to rains in the upper catchment areas of Mahanadi.
As per the information from a dam official, two sluice gates have been opened to release the excess water. However, the decision whether to open more gates or not would be taken after reviewing the situation.
Notably, following the standard operating procedure regarding the release of water from the dam every year, on August 5 the dam authorities had released the season’s first rainwater reserves through number 7 sluice gate and 10 sluice gates were opened to release excess water, over the reservoir’s water level mark of 615-foot. Consequently, later as many as 17 sluice gates were opened to release flood waters into Mahanadi as the reservoir was receiving rainwater continuously and the water level of the dam was at 614.10 feet.
The water holding capacity of the reservoir is 630-foot.
Later on August 22, all sluice gates were closed due lessening of rains in the upper areas of Mahanadi.
