16 gates of Hirakud Dam to be opened today

Surjit Kujmar Dhal, Bhubaneswar, August 15: In view of heavy inflow of water into Hirakud Reservoir, the authorities have decided to open 16 gates of the dam on Thursday.

The decision follows the downstream situation and Khairmal flow of 3.8 lakh cusec at 7am on Thursday.

“We want that the flood in the downstream is moderate and does not heighten. Flood control is the main objective of Hirakud Dam,” said Water Resources Secretary PK Jena.

Notably on Wedensday, keeping in view the heavy rainfall for the last few days in the upper catchment areas as well as flash floods in the tributary rivers, Hirakud Dam authorities in consultation with the Water Resources Department had opended one gate to release the first flood water of this rainy season.

The flood water was released at 11 am after traditional religious rituals by the Hirakud Dam authorities.