Hirakud Dam Opens 20 Gates Amid Heavy Rainfall

In response to heavy rainfall, Odisha's Hirakud Dam authorities released excess water from the reservoir, marking the first such occurrence this monsoon season. Water was discharged through 20 of the 67 gates. Officials have been instructed to stay alert and monitor the situation to prevent flooding.

In the wake of heavy rain, authorities at Hirakud Dam in Odisha released excess water from the reservoir on Sunday, marking the first such exercise this monsoon season, according to an official.

Water was discharged through 20 of the dam's 67 gates, flowing downstream into the Mahanadi river as the reservoir's water level rose, said Bhakta Ranjan Mohanty, Chief Engineer of the Water Resources Department.

Officials and district collectors have been put on high alert to monitor the situation. Despite the release, there is reportedly no risk of flooding.

(With inputs from agencies.)