Delayed Monsoon Withdrawal Pushes Pong Dam Water Level 10 Feet Above Danger Mark

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has described monsoon activity in Himachal Pradesh over the past 24 hours as “normal,” with light to moderate rainfall recorded at several locations. Light showers are also expected in parts of the state until September 26.

In Himachal Pradesh, the water level at the Pong Dam on the Beas River has risen nearly 10 feet above its prescribed maximum due to stalled monsoon withdrawal. According to data released by the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), the dam’s water level stood at 1,399.93 feet on Saturday morning, compared to the permissible upper limit of 1,390 feet.

Although the safe filling level for Pong Dam is capped at 1,390 feet for technical, meteorological, and safety reasons, it is structurally capable of withstanding levels up to 1,421 feet under extreme conditions. On Saturday, inflows into the reservoir were recorded at 37,192 cusecs, while outflows stood at 59,789 cusecs. In contrast, the 10-year September average has ranged between 9,622 and 14,852 cusecs.

Meanwhile, the Bhakra Dam on the Sutlej River reported a water level of 1,677.70 feet on Wednesday morning—over two feet below its permissible maximum of 1,680 feet. Inflows stood at 35,666 cusecs, while 45,000 cusecs of water were released.

The Pong Dam, located in Kangra district near the Punjab border, has received heavy inflows due to intense rainfall in its catchment areas across Kullu, Mandi, and Kangra districts. Between September 13 and September 20, Mandi recorded rainfall 416% above its long-period average (LPA), while Kangra saw 229% above LPA. Kullu, however, recorded 12% below normal rainfall. IMD forecasts light to moderate rain in these districts until September 22.

The monsoon had begun its withdrawal from the region on September 15, retreating from southwestern parts of Punjab and Haryana. Since then, however, no further progress has been made.

In its bulletin on September 20, IMD said: “The withdrawal line of the southwest monsoon continues to pass through Bathinda, Fatehabad, Pilani, Ajmer, Deesa, and Bhuj,” the same as it was on September 15. Normally, the monsoon withdraws from half of Punjab by September 20 and retreats fully from Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh by September 25.

Over the past 24 hours, light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms was reported in several districts of northern and eastern Punjab. IMD has again classified monsoon activity in the state as “normal.” Dry weather is expected to prevail in the region from September 26 onward, with conditions becoming favorable over the next two to three days for further withdrawal of the monsoon from parts of Haryana, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh.