Hirakud Dam releases first floodwaters of season, reaches Mundali barrage in Odisha

The Hirakud Dam in Odisha released its first monsoon floodwater of the year, with water flowing downstream to the Mundali barrage in Cuttack. Inflow at Mundali rose to around 80,000 cusecs, while outflow was slightly lower, and the total discharge through the barrage reached about 1.96 lakh cusecs, still well below danger levels.

State Water Resources officials said the release was controlled and monitored, noting a marginal decline in the reservoir level. District authorities warned residents in low‑lying areas to stay cautious, prohibited gatherings on riverbanks and bridges, and deployed police to enforce the ban. They affirmed that there is no immediate flood threat to the lower reaches of the Mahanadi and its branches.