Pong Dam discharge threatens livelihoods

Daily water discharge from Pong Dam’s spillways and turbines by the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) has raised the threat of inundation in the low-lying Mand areas of Indora and Fatehpur subdivisions. Standing crops in Mand Bhogarwan, Mand Bahadpur and Malkana gram panchayats are already suffering damage as the Beas swells. Officials report that flood impact has begun in these three panchayats, part of a total 17 in the affected subdivisions.

Residents recall the devastating monsoon of 2023, when families were airlifted to safety and anxiety is mounting. “The administration is advising relocation but no relief camp has been set up,” said Suresh Pathania of Mand Bhogarwan, whose farmland has been eroded. Rajinder Singh, another farmer, reported the loss of cane, paddy and 1,200 eucalyptus trees. Salma of Malkana panchayat tearfully recounted that no official or panchayat representative had visited her despite her losses.

Indora SDM Surinder Thakur said the administration has placed NDRF and SDRF teams on alert. He maintained that the Beas River bank remains intact despite the continuous discharge from the dam. On Thursday at 3 pm, Pong Dam’s reservoir level stood at 1,377.21 feet, with an inflow of 50,460 cusecs and an outflow of 57,031 cusecs.

Farmers fear that without immediate relief measures and regulated water discharge, the situation could escalate, causing further loss of crops, livelihoods, and property along the Beas.