Bhubaneswar, July 6 -- https://images.odishatv.in/uploadimage/library/16_9/16_9_0/recent_photo_1751781907.webp
The Hirakud Dam authorities on Sunday released the first floodwater of the season by opening the sluice gate number-7 on the left spillway at 10 AM following a special ritual and puja.
As per official sources, flood discharge will be carried out in different phases, with a total of 12 gates expected to be opened depending on water inflow and reservoir level.
This marks the beginning of monsoon-season flood management by the Hirakud Dam, one of Asia's longest earthen dams, built on the Mahanadi River.
Ahead of the water release, siren warnings were sounded early in the morning to alert people in the downstream areas. Public anno...