50,000 cusecs of water released from Pong Dam

The Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) released 50,000 cusecs of water from six gates of the Pong Dam’s tunnels and spillways on Saturday. A decision in this regard was taken after a meeting of the board held on Friday.

According to a communication issued by the Senior Design Engineer (Regulation), BBMB, the decision comes in view of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting heavy rainfall in the catchment areas of the dam in the coming days.

At 6 am on Saturday, the water level of the Pong Dam stood at 1,388.35 feet, just 1.65 feet below the danger mark of 1,390 feet. The inflow was recorded at 10,084 cusecs while the regular outflow stood at 17,173 cusecs.

Keeping in view the rain forecast and the release of water from the Pandoh Dam, a total of 50,000 cusecs were released from the Pong Dam today. At the Shah Canal Barrage, 5,523 cusecs of water is being released through the gates and 17,173 cusecs through the powerhouse.

Hemraj Bairwa, Deputy Commissioner, Kangra, said that the BBMB authorities were asked to release water with caution and in a regulated way to prevent any potential damage in low-lying areas along the Beas. Local residents had been advised not to believe rumours and stay alert, he added.

Meanwhile, the local authorities in Kangra district and Hoshiarpur district in Punjab have made preparations to handle any emergency situation. Flood control teams are on standby. The drainage and flood control departments have been alerted well in advance. The local police station in-charges in Talwara, Hajipur, Mukerian, Dasuya, Indora, and Jawali have also been informed to ensure timely coordination with the authorities concerned.

Surinder Thakur, SDM, Indora subdivision, said that there were no reports of loss or damage in the low-lying areas adjoining the Beas. “I visited many areas in the river belt. The river has absorbed the water because it was released in a controlled and regulated manner to prevent flooding,” he added.