The Odisha government has announced that the Hirakud Dam in Sambalpur will release the season’s first floodwater on July 9, as continuous rainfall and increased inflow from upstream catchment areas have pushed the reservoir’s water level higher. Authorities have also launched extensive awareness campaigns in downstream regions, urging residents to take precautionary measures ahead of the discharge.
According to official data, the water level in the Hirakud Reservoir stood at 606.12 feet as of 9 am on Tuesday. The dam is currently receiving an average inflow of 1,79,812 cusecs of water per second from the upper catchment areas, while around 19,898 cusecs is being released downstream to regulate the reservoir.
In view of the rising water level, dam authorities have scheduled the opening of the sluice gates at 11 am on July 9, marking the first floodwater release of the current monsoon season.
Administration Launches Safety Drive
Ahead of the gate opening, the Sambalpur district administration and Hirakud Dam authorities have intensified public awareness campaigns across vulnerable downstream areas. Officials are using public address systems, awareness vehicles and local announcements to caution residents about the expected rise in the water level of the Mahanadi River.
People have been advised not to enter the river for bathing or fishing, avoid grazing livestock on the riverbed, and stay away from low-lying areas along the riverbank as the discharge is expected to cause a rapid increase in the river’s flow.
The awareness drive is being carried out in Burla, Hirakud, Sambalpur and several other downstream locations to minimise risks and ensure public safety during the floodwater release.
Increased Inflow from Chhattisgarh
The situation has also been influenced by developments upstream in neighbouring Chhattisgarh. Authorities there have increased the discharge from the Kalma Barrage by opening all 27 gates. While 14 gates were operational until Monday, an additional 13 gates were opened on Tuesday, allowing a significantly larger volume of water to flow downstream towards the Hirakud Reservoir.
The increased release from the Kalma Barrage, coupled with persistent rainfall in the upper catchment areas, has contributed to the steady rise in water levels at the Hirakud Dam.
Authorities Urge Vigilance
Officials said the reservoir and downstream river system are being monitored round the clock, and further decisions regarding additional gate openings will depend on rainfall patterns and inflow levels over the coming days.
The administration has urged residents living along the Mahanadi river basin to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary movement near the river, and strictly follow official advisories until the discharge operation is completed safely.
The annual release of floodwater from the Hirakud Dam is a crucial part of reservoir management during the monsoon season, helping regulate water levels while ensuring the structural safety of one of India’s largest multipurpose river valley projects.
