Water levels recede in Punjab dams, bringing relief to flood-affected areas

In a major relief for the flood-hit regions of Punjab, water levels in key reservouirs have started to recede, offering hope to thousands affected by the recent deluge.

Authorities report that water inflow into the Pong Dam, Ranjit Sagar Dam, and Bhakra Dam has significantly decreased, easing pressure on dam management systems.

As on Friday, the water level in Pong Dam stands at 1392.46 feet, down from 1393.63 feet recorded earlier.

Inflow has dropped from 1,44,741 cusecs to 61,371 cusecs. The Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) continues to maintain the water level near its permissible maximum of 1,390 feet.

On Thursday, the dam recorded its highest outflow for any year to date at 1.10 lakh cusecs.

At Ranjit Sagar Dam, the water level has decreased by 1 meter, from 526 meters to 525 meters, with inflow reducing from 91,286 cusecs to 54,623 cusecs. The dam had crossed its maximum permissible level of 527.91 meters two days ago, prompting high discharge to ensure safety.

The Bhakra Dam has also shown a slight dip in water level, currently at 1671.71 feet, down from 1671.83 feet yesterday. Inflow has reduced from 54,213 cusecs to 49,137 cusecs.

Meanwhile, power generation at all three hydroelectric plants is at peak capacity. Bhakra generated 332.4 lakh units (LU), Ranjit Sagar 145.4 LU, and Pong 84.48 LU.

BBMB officials continue to maintain elevated discharge levels to regulate reservoir capacity and adhere to their water release schedules.