Pong Dam water level rises, alert sounded

The water level in Pong Dam Reservoir in Lower Kangra has surged by eight feet over the past two days, prompting the local administration to issue an alert for residents of the Mand area in Fatehpur Assembly constituency. As of Wednesday, the reservoir level has reached 1338.60 feet, a sharp rise from 1330.57 feet recorded on Monday.

This sudden increase is attributed to the Beas River being in spate, following the release of water from the Pandoh Dam in Mandi district and heavy rainfall over the past three days. The local tributaries — Dehar Khud, Buhal Khud and Dehri Khud —are also overflowing, adding to the inflow.

The Pong Reservoir has a maximum storage capacity of 1410 feet, with 1390 feet marked as the danger level. Historically, the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) initiates water release once the reservoir crosses 1360 feet.

Fatehpur SDM Vishrut Bharati informed The Tribune that residents in low-lying areas have been advised to remain alert. The BBMB has installed hooter systems at Rey, Sthana, Sansarpur Terrace and Riyali. These sirens will issue a red alert before any water release from the dam to warn residents and prevent any untoward incidents.