Bhubaneswar: Authorities at Hirakud Dam have announced that the season’s first floodwater release will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 9, following a steady rise in the reservoir’s water level due to heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas of the Mahanadi River basin.
The controlled release is part of the dam’s routine monsoon flood management strategy, aimed at regulating the reservoir level and ensuring the safety of the dam during periods of increased inflow.
Advisory for Downstream Residents
With the release of floodwater, water levels in the Mahanadi River and its tributaries downstream of the dam are expected to rise significantly. Authorities have advised residents in low-lying riverside areas to remain alert and follow official instructions.
People living downstream are urged to:
- Avoid entering or crossing the river while water is being released.
- Keep livestock, fishing boats, and equipment away from the riverbanks.
- Stay away from low-lying ghats and flood-prone areas.
- Follow updates and advisories issued by the district administration and disaster management authorities.
The administration is closely monitoring the situation and has appealed to the public to remain vigilant as monsoon conditions continue to influence river flows across the Mahanadi basin.
-OdishaAge
