Water released from Pong as reservoir levels increase

In response to the rising water levels in the Pong Dam reservoir, the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) released 23,300 cusecs of water through the dam’s spillway gates into the Beas at 5 pm today. An additional 4,000 cusecs was discharged via the turbines. The release was carried out in a controlled manner, following repeated demands from 22 gram panchayats of the flood-prone Mand area in Indora and Fatehpur subdivisions, to ensure the safety of residents and their properties.

According to BBMB data, the reservoir’s water level stood at 1373.19 feet with an inflow of 90,366 cusecs at 3 pm today. This marks a sharp rise from Tuesday’s reading of 1368.53 feet and 21,692 cusecs inflow before noon. The danger mark for the reservoir is 1390 feet, and local authorities have been calling for regulated discharges after the level crosses 1365 feet.

The local administration remained on high alert before and during the release. Public announcements were made throughout the day to inform residents of the scheduled discharge. Indora SDM Surinder Thakur confirmed that the water takes nearly four hours to travel from the dam to the Beas through the Mand area.

To strengthen early warning systems, the BBMB has installed four hooters at Jageer, Sthana, Rey and Riyali to alert residents in case of emergencies. The collaborative efforts of BBMB, district authorities and gram panchayats aim to mitigate the impact of rising inflows and ensure community safety downstream.