Sambalpur, Sept 26: The water level of the Hirakud reservoir has risen again following heavy rainfall in the upper catchment of the Mahanadi River. In view of the rising water level, five more sluice gates of the Hirakud Dam have been opened.
With this, a total of 14 gates are currently open for the discharge of floodwater. Of these, nine gates are open on the left side and five on the right side.
The reservoir has a maximum water-holding capacity of 630 feet, while its water level reached 629.56 feet today.
More than 1.54 lakh cusecs of water is currently flowing into the reservoir, while over 1.41 lakh cusecs is being released downstream.
Officials said that if rainfall continues in the upper catchment of the Mahanadi, more gates may be opened depending on the situation.
According to the rule curve, the water level of the Hirakud reservoir is expected to remain at around 630 feet by the end of October. The present water level is already close to that mark.
Authorities are closely monitoring the inflow and water level, and further gates may be opened as required if rainfall continues in the upper reaches of the Mahanadi.
