Bhubaneswar: The authorities will release season’s first floodwater from Hirakud dam in Odisha’s Sambalpur district on July 6.

This was revealed by the Water Resources Department of the state government today.

However, the Water Resources did not reveal anything regarding the exact number of sluice gates of the dam that are scheduled to be opened on July 6.

The authorities will perform a puja and offer prayers before releasing the season’s first floodwater from Hirakud dam, reports said.

The authorities, meanwhile, have asked the Collectors of 12 districts, located in the lower basin of the Mahanadi river, to remain alert and take the necessary steps in this regard.

“We will release the first floodwater from Hirakud dam at 10 am on July 6 after performing a puja. Gate no. 7 of the dam will be opened first and then the other gates,” said Hirakud dam chief engineer Sushil Behera.

Hirakud dam, built on Mahanadi river, is one of the first major multipurpose river valley projects in India. It is the longest earthen dam in the world.