BBMB monitoring monsoon progress

"We are continuously monitoring the situation. So far, we still have not decided to hold (an emergency) meeting with partnering states (Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan). But we will decide on July 4 whether to hold a meeting while considering factors like rain till then," a senior official of BBMB told PTI here today.

He, however, said there was no need to panic about the current situation prevailing in the northern region.

BBMB officials said if rain lashes the northern region or the catchment areas of Bhakra and Pong dams in next one or two days, then there may not be any requirement to hold an emergency meeting as the situation will ease.

The meeting called as Technical Committee Meeting (TCM) in which representatives of partnering states are present, is usually held during the last week of every month to decide about release of water to partnering states for irrigation purposes.

BBMB last month had agreed to release water to Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan as per their requirements.

Punjab is getting water supply of about 26,000 cusecs while Haryana and Rajasthan are receiving 10,000 cusecs and about 11,000 cusecs respectively.

With rain remaining "deficient" in the north so far, the water inflow into Bhakra and Pong reservoirs have been lower than what it had been in corresponding period.

The water inflow at present in Bhakra stands at 32,000 cusecs against 46,800 cusecs in corresponding period last year. Similarly, the water inflow in Pong dam is 5,200 cusecs which is quite less than the inflow of 18,400 cusecs it received last year.