Pong Dam Water Level Peaks, Floods Damage Crops and Power Supply in Kangra

Kangra, Sept 4 – The water level of Pong Dam reservoir reached 1,394.51 feet on Thursday morning, the highest this year, crossing the danger mark of 1,390 feet for the fifth consecutive day. Heavy rainfall in the Beas catchment area and release of water from Pandoh Dam contributed to the rise. To control the level, BBMB released 99,769 cusecs of water downstream, including 74,179 cusecs through spillways.

The continuous release of water has flooded low-lying areas of Indora and Fatehpur subdivisions, submerging 621 hectares of paddy and maize crops. The agriculture department has estimated losses of ₹128.80 lakh, with paddy being the worst hit. Over 239 hectares of paddy fields and 30 hectares of maize fields have suffered more than 33% damage.

DC Kangra Hem Raj Bairwa stated that loss assessment is underway and a detailed report will be sent to the state government. Meanwhile, flood-hit areas are also facing power outages as 29 transformers and nearly 10 km of power lines have been damaged. Restoration work will begin once water levels recede.