The Ropar administration on Wednesday asked people living near the Satluj to remain on alert with water being discharged from Bhakra Dam in large volumes following heavy rain in the catchment areas of the river in Himachal Pradesh.
The water discharge from the dam is being increased from 65,000 to 75,000 cusecs, endangering several villages in the Nangal area. The water level of the dam was just 2 ft below the danger mark on Wednesday morning.
The Ropar administration has decided to evacuate people from Bela villages of the district in view of the heavy water discharge from Bhakra Dam. The villages include Harsa Bela, Bela Ramgarh, Bela Dhiani Upper, Bela Dhiani Lower, Sensowal, Elegra, Bela Shiv Singh, Bhalan, Bhanam, Singhpura, Plasi, Taraf Majara and Majari. Bela villages are located inside the natural flow of the Satluj. Most of these villages are cut off.
All 23 Punjab districts declared flood-hit
With all 23 districts of Punjab declared flood-affected, emergency response systems in the state have been activated under the Disaster Management Act. Chief Secretary KAP Sinha has issued an order, empowering deputy commissioners to act on their own in case of any emergency or threatening situation. Standing crops across over 4 lakh acres have submerged across the state.
Nangal canal embankments damaged at nine places
Heavy rain damaged embankments of the BBMB-managed Nangal Hydel Canal at nine places. The damage to the embankments poses a risk of breach in the canal. Villagers are assisting the BBMB authorities in repair work.
It is learnt that the damage to the concrete lining of the canal at three places was caused by reduction in water flow in the canal on the request of partner states. Abrupt reduction in water flow, especially during the rainy season, puts more pressure on the canal structure. The Anandpur Sahib Hydel Canal embankments have also been damaged. Villagers, along with a kar seva group from Kila Anandgarh Sahib, are carrying out repairs.
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