Hirakud dam releases season’s first flood water

Sambad English Bureau Published On : Jul 24, 2018 at 12:09 PM Updated On : Jul 25, 2018 at 9:59 AM

Sambalpur: With rise in water level following incessant rain in upper catchment area of river Mahanadi, the Hirakud dam released the season’s first flood water today.

The dam opened three sluice gates at around 12 noon following a ceremonial Puja at the dam’s site in the presence of several district officials. The flood water released by the dam will reach Mundali barrage in next 36 hours.

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Sambalpur Collector Samarth Verma said, “Currently, flood water is being released through 20 gates.”

While the dam has a storage capacity of 630-feet, its water level stood at 618 feet by 10 AM today. Sources said 1,40,899 cusecs water per second is now entering the dam while 15,000 cubic feet of water per second is being released from each sluice gates now.

Dam authorities said the water level is likely to further rise in view of more rains predicted by the weathermen.

Meanwhile, people residing in low lying areas are in panic in view of possible flood after opening of the dam gates. They have been asked to remain alert to avoid any kind of eventuality.