Pong Dam continues high discharge amid heavy inflow

Amid continued heavy rain in the Beas river catchment, the water level at Pong Dam on Monday morning was recorded at 1,390.52 feet, slightly above the permissible mark of 1,390 feet.

According to officials, the inflow stood at 79,790 cusecs, while the outflow reached 1,09,920 cusecs. Of the total discharge, 17,079 cusecs passed through turbines and 92,841 cusecs through the spillway. Six machines remained operational at the powerhouse.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued rain in the catchment area, keeping inflows high. At Madhopur Headworks (MHC), the discharge was reported at 11,500 cusecs, while the Shah Nehar Barrage (SNB) downstream recorded 98,420 cusecs of discharge.

Kangra Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa, who is closely monitoring the situation, has urged residents in downstream areas to remain alert as high discharge from the dam continues.

Meanwhile, several areas in the Beas catchment have received widespread rain in the past 24 hours. According to official data received at the district headquarters on Monday morning, Palampur recorded the highest rain at 88.20 mm.

Other major rainfall figures include Shahpur at 67.20 mm, Nadaun 56.00 mm, Dera Gopipur 52.20 mm, Nangal Chowk 47.00 mm and Haripur 40.20 mm.

Moderate rain was reported at Baijnath (35.00 mm), Bharwain (29.40 mm), Guler (24.00 mm), Joginder Nagar (23.00 mm), Sujanpur (21.50 mm) and Ghamroor (21.40 mm).

Light rain was recorded at Nagrota Surian (14.50 mm) and Harsar (12.20 mm).

The IMD has warned of continued showers in the catchment areas, which could add further pressure to Pong Dam and the downstream river system, already witnessing high discharge.