Bhubaneswar, July 4 -- Continuous rainfall in Lamtaput area of Koraput district, Odisha has led authorities to open the first gate of the Machkund D-Dam for the first time this year, as the reservoir continues to receive heavy inflow.

Water from the dam is being released into the Chitrakonda reservoir in neighbouring Malkangiri district. As a precautionary measure, the administration has advised people living in downstream areas to remain alert.

Officials said the Machkund D-Dam has a maximum storage capacity of 2,590 feet, while the current water level has reached 2,587 feet. Keeping the safety of the dam in view, authorities decided to open one sluice gate to regulate the rising water level.

Around 1,000 cusecs of water per second is...