Pong Dam touches year’s highest level at 1,394.51 feet

Heavy rainfall in the Beas catchment areas and steady inflows from Pandoh Dam have pushed Pong Dam reservoir in Kangra district to 1,394.51 feet on Thursday morning, the highest level recorded this year, and well above the danger mark of 1,390 feet for the fifth consecutive day.

According to Bhakhra Beas Management Board (BBMB) officials, the average inflow stood at 1,32,595 cusecs, while the actual inflow was 1,07,301 cusecs. To regulate the rising level, authorities released 99,769 cusecs downstream, including 74,179 cusecs through the spillway and 16,988 cusecs through turbines. The average outflow was recorded at 91,167 cusecs. Officials said that the situation remains dynamic and is being closely monitored.

Crops on 621 hectares damaged in Kangra district

The continuous high releases have flooded low-lying areas of Indora and Fatehpur sub-divisions, damaging paddy and maize crops on over 621 hectares. The Agriculture Department has estimated losses at Rs 128.80 lakh.

Maize crops over 218.24 hectares have been hit, with losses pegged at Rs 24.56 lakh. Of this, 30 hectares suffered more than 33 per cent damage. Paddy has been the worst affected, with 382.80 hectares inundated, resulting in an estimated loss of Rs 95.70 lakh. About 239 hectares of paddy suffered damage exceeding 33 per cent.

The officials said further assessment was underway, and a detailed report would be submitted to the state government for relief measures. Farmers in floodplain zones have been advised to remain alert to further releases.

Flood snaps power supply in mand areas

Floods in the Mand areas of Indora sub-division have snapped power supply in many villages and human settlements. As many as 29 power transformers and about 9 to 10 km of power lines have been damaged. The officials of the electricity board maintain that repair work could only be undertaken once the river’s water level subsides, as the heavy flow currently makes it unsafe for field staff to operate. With electricity supply down, water schemes have also been hit, compounding difficulties for residents in the flood-affected belt.