Hirakud waters to reach Mundali today

The Hirakud Dam authorities have opened a total of 20 sluice gates to discharge rainwater from the reservoir to the Mahanadi river which is expected to reach Mundali in Cuttack district by 1 pm on Thursday.

The dam authorities had decided to open only 15 gates, but five more were opened on Tuesday night keeping in view the Indian Metrological Department’s  prediction of a low pressure in the Bay of Bengal by July 29.

The water level in the reservoir stood at 615.85 feet against its storage capacity of 630 feet.

While the outflow of water into the reservoir was 3,21,101 cusecs, the inflow was 1,01,800 cusecs.

The discharge of water from the reservoir has led to an increase in the water level in the lower basin of the Mahanadi.

While the inflow of water to Mundali was recorded at 2,44,300 cusecs, a total of 1, 24, 64 cusecs entered Naraj in Cuttack on the day.

Cuttack district Collector Susanta Mahapatra said there is no fear of floods, but the concerned officials have been asked to remain alert and keep relief materials ready.