Explainer: What opening of Bhakra floodgates means for Punjab and Sutlej basin

In a move driven by rising water levels and forecast of heavy rainfall, the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) on Tuesday began controlled release of water from the Bhakra Dam, located on the Sutlej river. This marks the first opening of the floodgates for the 2025 monsoon season and is aimed at bringing the water level back to regulatory limits before forecasted rains increase the risk of overflow.

According to BBMB records, on August 19, the water level at Bhakra Dam touched1,665.06 feet, which is 3 feet above the regulatory guideline of 1,662 feet set for this date. The maximum storage capacity of the dam is 1,680 feet, although it has reached 1,685 feet in the past years during extreme rainfall events.

Bhakra is one of the tallest gravity dams in Asia and a cornerstone of India’s water management and energy infrastructure. With a gross storage capacity of 9.34 billion cubic metres (BCM) and a maximum reservoir level of 1,680 feet, the dam plays a crucial role in flood control, irrigation, and hydroelectric power generation across Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Delhi.

The reservoir, known as Gobind Sagar Lake, supports extensive canal networks and supplies water to over 10 million acres of agricultural land. In times of excess rainfall, as witnessed this year, the dam acts as a buffer against floods by regulating river discharge, making it an essential lifeline for rural livelihoods and urban water security in northern India.

Phased opening

In an official communication by the Senior Design Engineer (Water Regulation), BBMB-Nangal, the floodgates were opened in a phased manner on August 19, allowing for a gradual and safe release of excess water:

• Phase 1 (3 pm): Gates opened by 1 foot
• Phase 2 (4 pm): Gates opened by 2 feet
• Phase 3 (5 pm): Gates opened by 3 feet, including both radial and flood control gates

This carefully structured release is designed to avoid sudden flooding downstream, while effectively managing the dam’s rising levels.

Discharge distribution

BBMB released a total of 45,000 cusecs of water: 22,000 cusecs will flow directly into the Sutlej river, and 23,000 cusecs will be diverted through the Nangal Hydel Canal, which later feeds into the Bhakra Main Line and Anandpur Sahib Hydel Canal, eventually reconnecting with the Sutlej near Kiratpur Sahib.

According to officials, this balanced approach helps in managing natural river flow and supporting irrigation and hydel power systems without overburdening any one outlet.

Warnings issued

BBMB, in coordination with local administrations, has issued alerts to residents living in low-lying areas, especially in the Bela and Mand regions, which lie within the riverbed of Sutlej. These areas are particularly vulnerable to inundation during high water releases.

Historically, Bela and Mand regions were only seasonally cultivated due to their location within the river’s floodplain. However, in recent years, declining rainfall led many to build permanent houses and settlements in these areas, increasing the risk during heavy monsoon seasons like this one.

Residents have been advised to stay away from riverbanks, and local authorities are on alert to manage any sudden changes in water flow or emergencies.

Past floods

The BBMB’s cautious approach stems from past experiences, most notably the 1988 floods, when extreme rainfall in September forced floodgates to be opened up to 20 feet, resulting in major flooding in Punjab’s plains. Since then, BBMB has avoided filling the dam up to its maximum limit and instead adheres to stricter water level targets.

The floodgates of Bhakra Dam were last opened on August 18, 2023, and before that on August 17, 2019. The current release is part of BBMB’s policy to ensure that dam operations remain safe, measured, and responsive to climatic conditions.

Looking ahead

With more rain expected in the coming weeks, this early and controlled release is a preventive measure that reflects improved water management practices. While the current discharge is not expected to cause widespread flooding, the situation will be closely monitored. Farmers, residents, and district authorities have been urged to remain vigilant, especially in vulnerable downstream areas.

As climate patterns shift and rainfall becomes more unpredictable, such actions underscore the critical balance between water storage, power generation, and flood safety in one of India’s most vital river systems.