Water enters Bhakra dam power house amid heavy rain; landslides block access roads

Panic gripped authorities at Bhakra Dam on Sunday night after water entered the left bank power house following heavy rains in the adjoining hills.

According to sources, water began seeping into the galleries of the power house but was promptly detected by on-duty staff, who immediately initiated pumping operations, thereby preventing major damage.

Meanwhile, the torrential rain also triggered landslides on roads leading to the power houses of Bhakra dam, causing blockades that left some staff stranded inside the facilities and others unable to report for duty.

BBMB Chief Engineer (Power) Jagjit Singh said water from the adjoining hills entered the left bank power house on Sunday night and flooded some of its galleries.

“However, timely intervention by the staff prevented any significant damage. Heavy pumps were deployed to drain the water, and power generation has not been disrupted,” he said.

He further added that roads to both the right and left bank power houses have been blocked due to landslides, and efforts are currently underway to restore access.

Sources also reported that the road from Nangal to Bhakra Dam has been blocked at multiple locations due to continuous rain since Sunday night. In response, BBMB has deployed heavy machinery to clear the landslides and restore road connectivity.