Pong Dam Water Level Drops Below Danger Mark, But More Rain Forecast for Northwest India

After remaining several feet above the permissible limit for nearly two months due to heavy rainfall, the Pong Dam’s water level has finally dipped just below the danger mark. However, parts of northwest India are expected to receive more rain beginning October 4.

According to data shared by the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), the water level at the Pong Dam on the Beas River in Himachal Pradesh stood at 1,389.30 feet on September 30, slightly below the prescribed upper limit of 1,390 feet. As of this morning, inflows into the reservoir were recorded at 10,038 cusecs, while outflows stood at 17,127 cusecs.

This year, the dam witnessed an unprecedented inflow of up to 2.25 lakh cusecs, triggered by torrential rainfall across its catchment area, keeping levels more than five feet above the maximum mark. To manage the excess water, BBMB discharged up to one lakh cusecs daily for several days. By comparison, over the past decade, average discharges from the Pong Dam during September have ranged between 9,622 and 14,852 cusecs.

At the Bhakra Dam on the Sutlej River in Himachal Pradesh, the water level stood at 1,673.90 feet this morning, compared to its permissible limit of 1,680 feet. Inflows were measured at 38,305 cusecs and outflows at 24,304 cusecs.

Although the monsoon, which brought 40% above-normal rainfall to Himachal Pradesh this year, has now fully withdrawn, a fresh western disturbance is expected to bring rain to Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana later this week. The disturbance is likely to affect the region starting October 4.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light rainfall at some locations on October 4, isolated showers on October 5, and widespread heavy rain on October 6. Thunderstorms, lightning, and winds gusting between 30–40 kmph are also likely in parts of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab.

Over the past 24 hours, Himachal Pradesh remained dry, while light showers were reported in Punjab’s Barnala and Sangrur districts and in Sonipat, Haryana. IMD noted that maximum temperatures in both Punjab and Haryana were above normal, while minimum temperatures were significantly higher than average.

In its long-range outlook issued on September 30, IMD predicted above-average rainfall across India for October 2025, though some pockets of northwest India may receive below-normal rainfall.