A day after the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) opened the floodgates of the Bhakra Dam, the Pong Dam is also flowing to its full capacity. The catchment area of the Beas River has been battered by relentless rainfall, resulting in a surge of inflow measuring a staggering seven lakh cusecs into the Pong Dam. As a precautionary measure, residents across the five districts in Punjab have been advised to steer clear of the riverbanks, citing potential hazards posed by the increased water levels.
Authorities have raised concerns as the current water levels in the Pong Dam, which stands at 1395.91 feet, have surpassed the maximum operational level of 1390 feet, as decided by partner states. The dam’s structural integrity remains solid, as it’s engineered to withstand water levels up to 1400 feet without any issue. Looking ahead, plans have been set in motion to release controlled amounts of water from the dam to the tune of approximately 68,000 cusecs — to be executed progressively, ensuring the safety of downstream areas.
The districts in focus include Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, and Tarn Taran. Residents of these regions are advised to abstain from approaching the Beas river during this period of increased water levels.
The authorities concerned have taken the decision to initiate controlled releases considering the necessity to create capacity for impending inflows, allaying concerns about dam overcapacity. The current storage capacity is deemed sufficient to accommodate future inflows.
Punjab Water Resources Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer on Monday assured the public that preventive measures have been taken to fortify the riverbanks, rendering them capable of withstanding the augmented discharges. The Department's field personnel have also been deployed around the clock to ensure the safety of residents and property.
At the same time, the state Chief Secretary Anurag Verma held a comprehensive video conference with all the Deputy Commissioners to address the escalating situation due to excessive water inflow triggered by heavy rains in Himachal Pradesh.
The main focus remains on safeguarding lives and properties along the riverbanks. Verma underscored the importance of preparedness, urging the setting up of relief camps if required.
He emphasized the need for unwavering vigilance in sensitive areas, along with maintaining open channels of communication with the Water Resources Department and his office to respond promptly to any exigency.
As the region grapples with the challenges presented by this deluge, a concerted effort by government bodies and citizens alike is imperative to ensure the safety and security of all those potentially affected. The coming days will be crucial as the controlled releases from the Pong Dam aim to mitigate the risks associated with heightened water levels in the River Beas.