Sambalpur: In light of heightened rainfall in Odisha, the authorities at the Hirakud Dam have opened five more sluice gates on Saturday to release extra water from the reservoir.

This latest action has raised the total number of gates discharging water to 13, following the earlier opening of eight gates to handle the surging water levels.

Reports indicate that the decision to enhance the water discharge was prompted by an increase in inflow from the upper catchment regions.

Officials are actively monitoring the inflow to the reservoir, the levels of surrounding rivers, and the conditions in the downstream areas.