Hirakud Reservoir Crosses 627‑Foot Mark, Four Sluice Gates Opened
Hirakud reservoir surpassed 627 feet, leading to the opening of four sluice gates to control excess water flow into the Mahanadi.
The Hirakud reservoir in Sambalpur district exceeded the 627‑foot mark on Thursday, reaching 627.29 feet, according to the latest data released by Orissa POST – Odisha’s No.1 English Daily (Updated: September 3rd, 2026, 16:20 IST). The rise prompted Odisha authorities to open two additional sluice gates, bringing the total number of open gates to four—three on the left side and one on the right side of the dam.
With the new openings, the four sluice gates are now discharging water to manage the rising inflows into the reservoir and to control the release of excess water into the Mahanadi River, thereby preventing overtopping of the dam.
The reservoir was receiving an average inflow of 141,962 cubic feet per second (cusecs) at the time of reporting. The total outflow from the reservoir was recorded at 98,741 cusecs. Of this outflow, 64,932 cusecs were being released through the four sluice gates, while the remaining 33,869 cusecs were being discharged via various canals, power channels used for electricity generation and channels meant for industrial use.
Why were the sluice gates opened?
The reservoir’s water level crossed the 627‑foot mark, prompting officials to act.
Opening additional sluice gates was intended to control the release of excess water into the Mahanadi River.
With these additions, gates are now operational.
They are releasing floodwater from the reservoir to prevent overtopping.
What are the current inflow and outflow figures?
According to the latest data, the reservoir was receiving an average inflow of 141,962 cubic feet per second.
The total outflow was recorded at 98,741 cusecs, according to the latest data.
The water level stood at 627.29 feet at the time of reporting.
Of the total outflow, 64,932 cusecs were discharged through the four sluice gates, while 33,869 cusecs were diverted through canals, power channels for electricity generation and industrial‑use channels.
The Orissa POST also noted that, alongside the Hirakud situation, flood threats were rising in other Odisha rivers, including the Subarnarekha, Budhabalanga and Brahmani, which were swelling as part of the broader monsoon impacts.
What caused the sluice gates at Hirakud dam to be opened?
The reservoir’s water level crossed the 627‑foot mark, prompting authorities to open additional gates to control excess water release into the Mahanadi.
What was the water level of Hirakud reservoir when the gates were opened?
The water level stood at 627.29 feet.
How many sluice gates are currently open at Hirakud dam?
Four sluice gates are open—three on the left side and one on the right side.
What is the inflow rate into Hirakud reservoir?
The reservoir was receiving an average inflow of 141,962 cubic feet per second.
What is the total outflow from Hirakud reservoir and how is it divided?
Total outflow was 98,741 cusecs, with 64,932 cusecs through the four sluice gates and 33,869 cusecs discharged via canals, power channels for electricity generation and industrial use.
Where is Hirakud reservoir located?
It is located on the Mahanadi River in Sambalpur district, Odisha.
When was the report about the reservoir level published?
The article was updated on September 3, 2026 at 16:20 IST by Orissa POST.
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.
View all articles by Debraj →
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