Rising water level in major Chamba dams prompts precautionary release to avert flooding

Naresh Thakur

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Tribune News Network

Chamba, August 6

The water level in the reservoirs of major power projects in Chamba district is nearing the danger mark, prompting the authorities concerned to release excess water to prevent potential overflow and flooding.

Chamba district is home to several significant power projects such as Chamera-I, II and III promoted by the National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC), and the Baira Dam. Besides, there are major private power projects such as Chanju-I, Budhil and Bajoli-Holi.

According to the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), the water level in the Chamera-I reservoir reached 758.04 metres today, against the danger level of 765 metres, with a water discharge of 464.06 cubic metres per second (cumecs). Similarly, the water level in the Chamera-II and III projects reached 1,155.39 metres (danger mark 1,164.85 metres) and 1,380.90 metres (danger mark 1,397 metres), respectively. The water discharge at Chamera-II was 163.16 cumecs, while at Chamera-III, it was 139.70 cumecs.

The Chanju-I power project, managed by IA Hydro Energy Pvt Ltd, reported the water level of 1,439.64 metres against the danger level of 1,441 metres and a discharge of 0.95 cumecs. The Budhil project reservoir also saw the water level reaching 1,647.3 metres against the danger mark of 1,650 metres, prompting the release of excess water at the rate of 40 cumecs.

The Bajoli-Holi project managed by the GMR Group reported the water level of 2,012.45 metres against the danger mark of 2,018.5 metres. At present, 29.18 cumecs of water is being released from the dam.

The authorities concerned are closely monitoring the situation to manage the reservoir levels effectively and ensure the safety of the surrounding areas. The precautionary release of excess water aims to mitigate any potential risks associated with high water levels in these reservoirs.

Himachal Pradesh has experienced deficient rainfall this monsoon season, receiving 287.3 mm of rainfall compared to the normal of 441.5 mm from June 1 to August 6, marking a deficit of 29 per cent. Chamba district has been particularly affected, as it recorded only 307 mm of rainfall against the normal of 502.6 mm, resulting in a 39 per cent shortfall, which is higher than the state’s average deficit.

Meanwhile, the DDMA has cautioned people not to go near the rivers and rivulets in the district.