India, July 9 -- The authorities on Thursday opened four sluice gates of the Hirakud Dam to release the season's first floodwater from the reservoir, marking the beginning of this year's flood management operations.

The gates were opened in phases following traditional rituals, a long-standing practice observed before the release of floodwater from the dam.

According to officials, a total of four sluice gates have been opened, including three gates on the left spillway and one gate on the right spillway, to regulate the rising water level in the reservoir.

At the time of the release, the water level in the Hirakud reservoir stood at 614.93 feet. The controlled discharge is aimed at maintaining the reservoir level while ensuring downst...