Hirakud Dam Opens 10 More Sluice Gates After Heavy Rain in Mahanadi Catchment
Hirakud Dam opened 10 extra sluice gates on July 31, 2026, to curb rising water levels after heavy rainfall in the Mahanadi upper catchment.
On Friday, July 31, 2026, authorities at Hirakud Dam in Sambalpur district opened 10 additional sluice gates, raising the total discharge to 12 gates, to manage a sharp rise in reservoir levels after heavy rainfall in the Mahanadi’s upper catchment. The reservoir stood at 623.52 feet, close to its full capacity of 630 feet, with inflows of about 369,322 cusecs per second and releases of roughly 65,543 cusecs downstream. At 11 am, the Naraj gauge in Kataka district measured 26.48 metres, slightly above the danger mark of 26.41 metres.
What are the current water levels and inflow figures?
The reservoir stood at 623.52 feet early on Friday, close to its full storage capacity of 630 feet. Authorities had opened 10 additional sluice gates, bringing the total number of gates discharging water to 12, up from the two that were operating earlier. The dam was receiving approximately 369,322 cusecs of water per second from the Mahanadi’s upper catchment.
Of that inflow, about 65,543 cusecs were being released downstream through the opened gates. The controlled release aims to prevent the reservoir from exceeding its capacity while managing downstream river levels. Officials said the gates are being operated with careful attention to conditions in vulnerable zones.
How are officials monitoring downstream impacts?
At 11 am, the river gauge at Naraj in Kataka district recorded a water level of 26.48 metres, slightly above the danger mark of 26.41 metres. Floodwater inflow at the Mundali Barrage had declined from about 888,000 cusecs late Thursday night to roughly 865,000–869,000 cusecs on Friday morning.
Flows were measured at approximately 445,000 cusecs at the Naraj Barrage and 460,000 cusecs at the Jobra Barrage. Officials have urged residents in low-lying areas to remain vigilant as the controlled release may elevate water levels further downstream. Chief Engineer Sanjay Kumar Choudhary said the gates are being operated with careful attention to conditions in vulnerable zones.
What is the forecast and next steps?
The India Meteorological Department has forecast no significant rainfall until August 4, which may ease inflows into the reservoir. Authorities said they will review the need to open additional gates after 2 pm based on the evolving situation.
Around eight lakh cusecs of water is currently passing through Mundali, a volume that officials anticipate will ease gradually. A flow of up to 10 lakh cusecs is regarded as a flood situation, and present levels remain below that threshold.
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Why did Hirakud Dam open 10 additional sluice gates?
To manage a sharp rise in reservoir levels after heavy rainfall in the Mahanadi upper catchment.
How many sluice gates are now open at Hirakud Dam?
A total of 12 sluice gates are open, up from the two that were operating earlier.
What was the reservoir level at Hirakud Dam on the morning of July 31, 2026?
The reservoir stood at 623.52 feet, near its full capacity of 630 feet.
What were the inflow and outflow rates at the dam?
The dam received about 369,322 cusecs per second and released about 65,543 cusecs downstream.
What water level was recorded at the Naraj gauge in Kataka district?
At 11 am, the Naraj gauge recorded 26.48 metres, slightly above the danger mark of 26.41 metres.
What were the flow rates at Mundali, Naraj and Jobra barrages?
Mundali Barrage inflow was roughly 865,000–869,000 cusecs, Naraj Barrage flow was about 445,000 cusecs and Jobra Barrage flow was about 460,000 cusecs.
What advice have officials given to residents?
Officials have urged residents in low-lying areas to remain vigilant.
What did the Chief Engineer of Hirakud Dam say about gate operations?
Chief Engineer Sanjay Kumar Choudhary said the gates are being operated with careful attention to conditions in vulnerable zones.
What is the IMD rainfall forecast for the region?
The India Meteorological Department has forecast no significant rainfall until August 4.
When will authorities review the need to open more gates?
Authorities will review the need to open more gates after 2 pm based on the evolving situation.
Debraj Meher
District Correspondent, Sambalpur
Debraj Meher reports on Sambalpur district's civic affairs, the Hirakud dam command area, and the region's handloom economy. He has been the Mirror's Sambalpur correspondent since 2021.
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