As per reports, this is the first time in this year that the district administration has opened a gate of the Machkund Dam to release the excess water. The excess rainwater is being discharged from the Machkund reservoir towards the Chitrakonda reservoir.

According to officials, Machkund Dam has a maximum water level capacity of 2,590 feet. As of now, the water level has reached 2,587 feet, prompting the opening of one gate to manage the rising water level safely.

The decision to open the gate comes amid continuous heavy rainfall being witnessed across many parts of southern Odisha in the last few days. Further monitoring of the water level is underway.

While rainfall has continued for three consecutive days across Koraput district, the highest rainfall during this period was recorded in Lamtaput block. Project officials have indicated that additional dam gates will be opened if rainfall intensifies further.