BAITADI: The Indian side has opened the dam gate of Dhauliganga Hydropower Project located at Pithoragarh district in Uttarakhand of India today.

The NHPC Limited and Dhauliganga Power Station informed the District Administration Office, Baitadi, stating that the dam gate will remain open from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm today.

Chief District Officer of Baitadi Suresh Panthi said that residents in the catchment areas of the Mahakali River have been cautioned to stay alert as the water level there could rise during and after the opening of the dam gates.

It is said that the dam has been opened to release water for cleaning purposes after the increased level of water in the dam during the monsoon season.

The people residing on the riverbanks have been advised to stay on the safe side as the water level in the Mahakali River could increase, resulting in flooding.

The locals of Darchula, Baitadi, Dadeldhura and Kanchanpur districts have been cautioned not to visit the riverside during this time since the water flows and level in the river could go up.

Indian officials open the dam of this project in monsoon season every year.

The Indian side had also opened the game gates on July 11, July 22 and August 17.

Property worth billions was damaged and more than 100 houses were inundated in the district headquarters of Darchula as the flood occurred after the opening of the Dhauliganga dam in 2013.