Bhubaneswar, 26 September (H.S.): With the flow of water in the Mahanadi river increasing, the Hirakud Dam authorities have opened three additional gates to discharge excess water. With this, water is currently being released through eight gates of the reservoir.

Of the eight open gates, five are located on the left side and three on the right side of the dam. The reservoir water level has reached 629.56 feet.

According to dam authorities, the gates are being operated based on the reservoir water level and the inflow from the upper catchment areas. Following the opening of additional gates, the administration is closely monitoring the downstream water flow of the Mahanadi.

Residents of riverside and low-lying areas have been advised to remain alert and closely follow updates on the water level as well as further instructions issued by the administration.

Meanwhile, all three gates of the Indravati reservoir have been closed. However, one gate of the Muran Dam continues to remain open for controlled discharge of water.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda