The water level in Pong Dam in Himachal’s Kangra district has risen sharply in the past 24 hours, leading to an alert in parts of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab.
The Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) has said that extra water will be released tonight through the dam’s spillway.
As of Saturday morning, the water level had reached 1361.07 feet, much higher than 1328.45 feet recorded on the same day last year. The dam’s maximum capacity is 1,410 feet, while 1,390 feet is considered the danger mark.
This sharp rise is due to heavy rainfall in the Beas catchment area and water released from Pandoh Dam in Mandi district in the past few days. Local tributaries like Dehar Khud, Buhal Khud, and Dehri Khud are also in spate and adding to the dam’s inflow.
On Saturday morning, the average inflow was 87,586 cusecs. The BBMB has ordered a release of 18,995 cusecs through turbines.
“In view of the current inflow and rainfall forecast, excess water may be released through the spillway,” the engineer stated in an official order.
District authorities in Kangra (Himachal) and Hoshiarpur (Punjab) have been told to take necessary precautions.
Kangra District Magistrate Hemraj Bairwa said that he requested BBMB to start releasing water slowly and early this time to avoid flooding in low-lying Mand areas.
“Usually, BBMB used to release water only after the reservoir level touches the 1,390-feet mark, which often causes damage in the downstream areas. But this time, after closely monitoring the rising levels, I requested BBMB to begin controlled discharge earlier. This way, water will not stagnate in Mand areas, preventing losses to residents while also protecting the dam,” Bairwa said.
Hooters have been installed in areas like Rey, Sthana, Sansarpur Terrace, and Riyali to alert people ahead of any water release. The step is aimed at preventing large-scale damage and ensuring safe water regulation during the monsoon.
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