The Hirakud Dam authorities have decided to release the first flood water through the sluice gates on Sunday in view of the steady rise in water level in the dam. The water level in the Dam is continuously rising and has reached 611.75 feet by Thursday afternoon which is expected to rise further following continuous rain in the upper catchment areas of the reservoir. Official sources said in order to create more space for the coming days, the dam project authorities will release water at 9.00 am on July 23. The authorities have further advised people on the river banks of Mahanadi to be careful and take precautions as water level in Mahanadi and its tributaries will rise after opening of the sluice gates of the Dam.
