Rains: BBMB issues advisory to Punjab to release 'excess' water from Pong dam

The Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) issued an advisory to Punjab for releasing "excess" water from the Pong dam in the wake of incessant rains in catchment areas of the Beas river.

The BBMB authorities said they have been constantly monitoring the water-level situation.

"Due to high pattern inflow in the Pong reservoir and considering forecast of heavy rains in the Beas catchment area, excess water from the Pong dam can be released. All necessary steps be taken by all concerned to avoid any damage or loss of life and property in the downstream areas," as per the advisory issued by BBMB.

BBMB Chairman D K Sharma apprised Chief Minister Amarinder Singh about water-level situation in Bhakra and Pong dams on Monday.

The chief minister Monday called an emergency meeting to review arrangements in the wake of incessant rains.

However, the BBMB authorities asserted that its effort would be to store and use excess inflows as much as it can.

The water-level in the Pong dam was 1,385.12 feet against the maximum level of 1,390 feet.

"We can accommodate some more water beyond 1,390 feet in case of any eventuality," a BBMB official said.

"Even we have to release excess water, it will be done while keeping in mind the water levels in rivulets and rivers in the state. Moreover, the release of excess water if required to be done will not be done in one go," the official said.

Meanwhile, about 8,000 cusecs of water was released through spillway gate from the Ranjit Sagar dam.

"In 24 hours, the water inflows touched 2.70 lakh cusecs in the dam. However, on Monday the inflows reduced to one lakh cusecs," the official said, adding that a close watch was being kept on water-level situation.

The water-level at the Ranjit Sagar dam was 526.65 m against the maximum level of 527.91 m, official said.

An official of the Punjab Irrigation department said there was no need to panic.

"The water coming from the Beas river was released to Rajasthan via Harike," the official said.