Pong Dam water level sees decline

Water level in Pong Dam showed a marginal decline on Sunday morning, but it continued to discharge water above danger mark raising caution among residents living in low-lying areas downstream. According to the official figures, the reservoir level stood at 1,393.03 feet at 6 am on Sunday, down from 1,393.93 feet recorded at the same time on Saturday. The danger level is considered at 1,390 feet.

The inflow into the dam decreased from 38,773 cusecs on Saturday to 31,540 cusecs on Sunday, while the outgoing flow remained steady at around 59,786 cusecs.

Officials of the Bhakhra Beas Management Board (BBMB) maintained that since the outflow continues to exceed the inflow, the reservoir level was gradually falling.

Despite the decline, the authorities of the district administrations of Kangra and nearby Punjab’s Hoshiarpur district have cautioned that low-lying areas along the Beas river and its tributaries may still face localised flooding, especially if rainfall continues upstream.

The farmers and villagers in these regions have been advised to remain vigilant and follow official instructions.

They have urged the residents to avoid venturing into flood-prone areas, stay updated with official warnings and keep essential supplies ready, including drinking water, food and medicines. Those living in the river basin areas were also advised to move to higher ground immediately if water levels rise unexpectedly.

The district magistrate of Kangra Hemraj Bairwa emphasised that continuous monitoring of inflows and water levels was underway and any sudden changes will be communicated promptly. The local administrations had also been instructed to keep emergency response teams on standby to ensure the safety of communities living near the dam.