Authorities at the Hirakud Dam have opened six sluice gates to release excess water as the reservoir’s water level reached 629.37 feet. Of the six gates, four are located on the left side and two on the right, allowing for controlled discharge into the downstream Mahanadi River. Currently, the dam is receiving an inflow of approximately 196,494 cusecs of water per second, while the outflow stands at 133,758 cusecs per second. The decision to open the gates was taken to manage the rising water levels due to heavy upstream rainfall and to prevent potential flooding in surrounding areas. The Hirakud Dam, one of Asia’s longest earthen dams, plays a crucial role in flood control, irrigation, and hydroelectric power generation in Odisha.