Heavy Rainfall Raises Flood Threat in Himachal

Bhakra Dam Water Level Nears Danger Mark

Bilaspur, August 15: Continuous heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh has caused the water level in Bilaspur’s Bhakra Dam to remain just 2 feet below the danger mark. The flood gates of Bhakra Dam are open by around 4 feet. Last year, on August 15, the water level of the Bhakra Dam was 1639.68 feet, whereas this year it is 39 feet higher. On Tuesday, the water level of the Bhakra Dam reached 1678.05 feet.

Chief Engineer of BBMB, CP Singh, stated that the situation of water accumulation in the Bhakra and Pong Dams is under control, and there is currently no cause for concern. He mentioned that efforts have been made to ensure the safety of the dams. Singh further highlighted that last year, on August 15, the water level of the Bhakra Dam was 1639.68 feet, which is 39 feet higher this year.

The water inflow into the Bhakra Dam has been recorded at 124,005 cusecs, while water has been released through the turbines at a rate of 55,167 cusecs. Water is being released through the flood gates of the dam at a rate of 14,729 cusecs.

From the Nangal Dam, 12,350 cusecs of water are being released into the Nangal Hydel Channel, 10,150 cusecs into the Anandpur Sahib Channel, and 40,500 cusecs into the Sutlej River. From the Bhakra Dam, 63,000 cusecs of water are being released. The water level of the Bhakra Dam is currently 2 feet below the danger mark (1680 feet).

It’s worth noting that the Punjab government has issued alerts in five districts due to the concern of rising water levels. People have been advised not to go near the banks of the Vyas River.