As many as 17 Sluice Gates of Hirakud dam reservoir in Sambalpur were opened today morning to release flood water due to incessant rains in the upper reaches of Mahanadi.
The water level now stands at 615 foot, as the water holding capacity of the reservoir is 630ft. 2,75,933 cusec water is being released through the 17 sluice gates while 2,47,333 cusec water is entering to the reservoir.
According to the Water Resources Department, the water which was released earlier on August 5 through 10 sluice gates which took near about 36 hours has reached Naraj barrage.
Meanwhile, the Cuttack district administration has taken necessary precautionary measures. The control rooms at Mundali, Naraj and Jobra barrages have been asked to keep a close eye on the floodwaters.
The Principal Secretary of Water Resources Department PK Jena has assured earlier that there is no sign of havoc due to the release of water from Hirakud Dam. Jena has advised the people to be alert who are living on the banks of the river and its distributaries.