50,000 Cusecs of Water Released from Pong Dam

Water level rises to 1,388.35 feet — just 1.65 feet below the danger mark

The Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) on Saturday released 50,000 cusecs of water from the Pong Dam through its spillway and tunnel gates. The decision was taken following a board meeting on Friday, in view of anticipated heavy rainfall in the dam’s catchment areas.

According to a circular issued by the Senior Design Engineer (Regulation) of BBMB, the release was made as a precautionary measure after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast significant rainfall in the coming days.

As of 6 a.m. on Saturday, the Pong Dam’s water level stood at 1,388.35 feet, just 1.65 feet below the danger level of 1,390 feet. The inflow was recorded at 10,084 cusecs, while the normal outflow stood at 17,173 cusecs.

Taking into account both the rainfall forecast and the release of water from Pandoh Dam, the BBMB released a total of 50,000 cusecs from Pong Dam. Of this, 5,523 cusecs was discharged through the Shah Nehar Barrage, and 17,173 cusecs through the powerhouse outlets.

Kangra Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa said BBMB officials had been instructed to regulate the water release carefully and systematically to prevent any potential damage in low-lying areas along the Beas River. He urged residents to remain alert, avoid panic, and not pay heed to rumours circulating on social media.

Meanwhile, local administrations in Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra district and Punjab’s Hoshiarpur district have been placed on high alert to deal with any emergency situation. Flood control teams are on standby, and the drainage and irrigation departments have been advised to maintain close monitoring of the situation.

Police officers in Talwara, Hajipur, Mukerian, Dasuya, Indora, and Jawali have also been directed to coordinate with district authorities to ensure timely response if required.

Indora Sub-Divisional Magistrate Surinder Thakur said there were no reports of damage from areas adjoining the Beas River. “I have visited several riverbank locations, and the situation remains under control. Since the water is being released in a regulated and phased manner, the river is absorbing it without causing overflow or flooding,” he said.