Bhakra authorities hope to exceed power generation target

The water level in Bhakra and Pong reservoirs has recorded a rise, the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) said today and exuded confidence that it will be able to exceed the power-generation target that can benefit the neighbouring states like Haryana and Rajasthan.
The power generation from BBMB power houses during 2017- 18 till yesterday is 322.1 crore units, which is over 7 per cent compared to the Central Electricity Authority's (CEA) target of 299.1 crore units for the period.
"Considering good rainfall forecast by the IMD, BBMB will be able to meet the water requirements of the partner states during Kharif season and thereafter," said BBMB chairman D K Sharma.

He exuded confidence that both Bhakra and Pong reservoirs in Punjab would be filled to their designated maximum water levels in view of the good monsoon.
"With these reservoir levels, we will generate more energy than the CEA's target for the year 2017-18," he said.
Bhakra dam today recorded water level of 1,596.60, nearly 12 feet more than the level of 1,584.13 feet on July 18 last year.

Similarly, a rise of about 16 feet was witnessed in the water level of Pong reservoir that recorded 1,320.31 feet this day as against the level of 1,304.56 feet on the corresponding day last year, an official of the BBMB said.

The rise in water level has been attributed to "optimal reservoir operation" that lead to effective utilisation of inflows of the Satluj, Beas and Ravi rivers.
Bhakra and Pong dams are to be filled up to a level of 1,680 feet and 1,390 feet respectively by September.