Bhubaneswar, July 31: Heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas of the Mahanadi River prompted the opening of 20 sluice gates at Hirakud Dam last Sunday. With the situation now under control, dam authorities announced on Wednesday that two of the gates have been closed.

Currently, 18 sluice gates are releasing floodwater from Hirakud Dam. The closure of the two gates has led to a decrease in the water level of the Mahanadi River near Mundali in Cuttack.

As of this morning, the water level of Hirakud Dam stood at 611.85 feet. The dam is receiving 1,57,272 cusecs of water and releasing 3,09,740 cusecs. At present, 12 gates on the left side and 6 gates on the right side of Hirakud are open. The water level of the Mahanadi River in Mundali has been decreasing since last night.

The highest discharge of 4,85,430 cusecs was recorded at midnight last night, but the water level has been steady since then. As of 6 am today, the discharge has decreased to 4,80,000 cusecs.

Reports indicate that the water level in Mundali is 87.80 feet upstream and 84.90 feet downstream, suggesting a low likelihood of further water level rise. Consequently, the possibility of moderate flooding has been ruled out, according to senior officials.

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