Water release from Pong Dam damages crops in Kangra district

Continuous rains coupled with the release of water from Pong Dam have caused large-scale destruction in the lower areas of Kangra district, damaging agriculture, horticulture and property.

More than 250 hectares of crops and orchards, including mango, litchi, orange, maize, paddy, pulses, oilseeds, sugarcane and poplar, have been washed away.

A heavy soil erosion has been reported as dam water entered villages along the Beas river, sweeping away houses and damaging property worth crores. Several transformers and an 11 KV power line were also damaged, disrupting electricity supply. More than 16 roads remain blocked, as on date, in the area.

According to officials of the district administration, 20 panchayats in Indora and Fatehpur sub-divisions have borne the brunt of the floods. The combined effect of dam water release and swollen local rivulets has intensified the destruction.

Deputy Commissioner of Kangra Hemraj Bairwa said that all the concerned departments were working together to mitigate the damage, but rising water levels continue to cause heavy losses.