Bhubaneswar, July 24: In response to rising water levels due to continuous heavy rainfall, the authorities have opened four more gates of the Hirakud Dam, raising the total number of open gates to eight. Presently, five gates on the left side and three gates on the right side of the dam are discharging excess water into the Mahanadi River to mitigate flood risks.

The decision was made after several districts in Odisha experienced intense rainfall over the past few days, which has led to waterlogging and flood-like situations in low-lying areas. The Hirakud Dam, being one of the major flood control systems in the state, is releasing the surplus water to ensure the structural safety of the dam and prevent downstream flooding.

Officials stated that the release of water is a precautionary step to manage the rising inflow, which may increase further as rainfall continues. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the state is likely to face more rainfall in the next 24 hours, as a developing low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into a well-marked low-pressure area, aggravating the situation.

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