Hirakud Dam releases first floodwater of season, Cuttack on high alert

Sambalpur: Water level of the Hirakud reservoir is steadily rising due to the heavy inflow from its upper catchment and hence the authorities on Thursday have decided to release the first floodwater of the season from the reservoir.

As per reports, four sluice gates of the Hirakud dam will be opened at 11 AM, and the first phase release of floodwater is around one lakh cusecs.

The current water level in the reservoir is 614.65 feet while the inflow has reached 1,64,009 cusecs per second.

“We plan to open more gates by the evening if the inflow increases further,” informed the Chief Engineer.

In view of the situation, Hirakud Dam authorities have informed 12 district collectors in the Mahanadi river basin and people have also been advised to stay off the Mahanadi river when the flood water will be released.

It is expected that water level in Mahanadi and its tributaries will go up due to the release of flood water from the reservoir and the reservoir and surrounding areas are now in a No-Flying Zone.

Meanwhile, Cuttack has been put on high alert in view of the floodwater release from Hirakud reservoir.

The Cuttack district administration had warned about sudden surge of water level of Mahanadi and possibility of water logging in low-lying areas and restricted movement of people under Section 34 of Disaster Management Act 2005.

The Mahanadi river is to remain completely off-limits and nobody is allowed to take selfies and videos from Mahanadi river banks or engaging in activities at the sand ghats. Police teams have been deployed to strictly monitor implementation of the order.

The district administration revoked its earlier notice on floodwater release and issued new guidelines.