Sambalpur, Sept 26: With continuous rainfall in the upper catchment areas and a steady rise in inflow, authorities at the Hirakud reservoir have opened 20 sluice gates to release excess water into the Mahanadi River.

As a result of increased discharge, the water level in the reservoir has started to recede. On Thursday night at 9 PM, the water level stood at 629.47 feet, which dropped to 628.93 feet by 6 PM on Friday.

In the last 24 hours, up to 8 AM, the upper catchment recorded 58 mm of rainfall.

As of this evening, the reservoir is receiving an inflow of approximately 2,78,926 cusecs, while the total outflow stands at 3,61,517 cusecs. Of the released water, 3,27,200 cusecs is being discharged through sluice gates and another 31,874 cusecs via the power channel.

Officials are closely monitoring the situation, and more gates may be opened if inflow continues to rise. Residents living downstream along the Mahanadi have been advised to remain alert.