Cuttack Braces As Mahanadi Swells After Hirakud Dam Discharges Over 4.47 Lakh Cusecs
Cuttack witnessed a sharp surge in the Mahanadi River’s water levels as over 4.47 lakh cusecs of water flowed past Mundali following controlled releases from Hirakud Dam. With 20 floodgates now open to regulate pressure from continuous upstream inflow, officials are closely monitoring the situation, though no immediate flood threat has been declared. As rainfall continues across Odisha and Chhattisgarh, the next 48 hours are crucial for flood preparedness in downstream delta regions.
The release of floodwater from Hirakud Dam has dramatically increased the water level in the lower Mahanadi basin, with Mundali in Cuttack recording over 4.47 lakh cusecs flowing through by Wednesday morning. Initially, 16 sluice gates were opened for routine flood control, but with persistent rainfall and rising upstream inflows, the number of open gates was increased to 20. Upstream water levels reached 87.5 feet, while the downstream gauge at Mundali recorded 84.3 feet. Authorities confirmed that real-time monitoring is underway at Naraj, the flood control hub, where every surge is tracked to preempt any emergency. The inflow into Hirakud Reservoir has also overtaken outflow slightly, leading to a marginal rise in the dam’s storage. Districts including Sambalpur, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, and Kendrapara have intensified readiness. Experts say this discharge is in line with monsoon protocols and currently poses no serious threat if rainfall remains within projected limits.
According to the India Meteorological Department, a low-pressure system hovering over Gangetic West Bengal and neighbouring states, influenced by an active upper air cyclonic circulation, is expected to intensify over the next two to three days. This system will drive moderate to heavy rainfall across northern and western Odisha, including key river catchment areas feeding into the Mahanadi. Officials anticipate increased inflows into Hirakud Dam as upstream rivers swell further, urging districts to maintain high alert and activate localised flood response protocols. While no evacuation orders have been issued, contingency plans are being kept on standby in vulnerable delta zones. The gradual increase in storage and water release strategy is aimed at mitigating flash flood risks while maintaining reservoir safety margins. Field teams are being deployed to monitor embankments, low-lying zones, and potential bottlenecks across Cuttack and nearby districts as part of a coordinated flood management response.
Though Cuttack and the Mahanadi delta currently face no declared flood emergency, the situation remains dynamic. The controlled discharge from Hirakud Dam has been effective so far, but rising inflow coupled with continued rainfall poses a growing challenge. Authorities are relying on a combination of technological monitoring and on-ground vigilance to manage flow levels and prevent downstream flooding. The next 48 to 72 hours are expected to test the robustness of Odisha’s monsoon preparedness. Experts suggest only sustained, region-wide coordination and proactive water level management can help avert any critical flood scenarios as rainfall persists.
