Bhubaneswar-The 2025 monsoon has made its presence felt in Odisha’s Koraput district, prompting the Machkund Dam to release its first floodwaters of the season. Following several days of heavy rainfall in the region, the dam’s water level surged to 2,588 feet—just two feet below its full storage capacity of 2,590 feet.
In response, dam authorities opened sluice gates number 6 and 7 on Thursday to manage the rising pressure and ensure structural safety. Approximately 2,000 cusecs of water were released downstream into the Chitrakonda reservoir as part of the standard flood regulation process.
“This is a routine precautionary step,” confirmed an official at the site. “We are closely monitoring rainfall and inflow, and more gates will be opened if the situation demands.”
The Machkund Dam, jointly managed by Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, plays a vital role in generating hydroelectric power and supporting irrigation across both states. Each year, the dam experiences significant inflow during the monsoon season, owing to rainfall in its extensive catchment area spanning across state borders.
So far, no reports of flooding or damage have emerged from villages near the dam. Local authorities and emergency teams have been placed on alert as a preventive measure. Surveillance is being maintained across upstream and downstream zones to swiftly respond to any changes.
With further rain predicted in the coming days, the Water Resources Department is prepared to take additional action if necessary, ensuring both dam safety and the protection of nearby communities.
