Punjab stares at floods again? Pong Dam water level rises near danger mark after heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh
PTC Web Desk: The Pong Dam in Himachal Pradesh witnessed a sharp rise in water level on Monday, following intense rainfall in the Beas catchment areas. According to the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), the dam’s water level climbed to 1,392.48 feet, almost two feet higher than the previous day and already several inches above the danger mark for the past few days.
The heavy inflow into the reservoir, recorded at 64,964 cusecs, significantly exceeded the outflow of 49,899 cusecs released on Monday morning. This year, the Pong Dam has seen unprecedented inflow during August and September, peaking at 2.25 lakh cusecs, with outflow maintained at around 1 lakh cusecs for several days to ease pressure. Located in the Shivalik foothills of Kangra district, Pong Dam plays a crucial role in managing water levels in Punjab and Himachal.
The swollen Beas river, which originates near Rohtang Pass and flows through Kullu, Mandi, and Kangra districts before entering Punjab, has already caused widespread damage. Over the past month, it inundated more than 100 villages in Kapurthala, submerging crops on thousands of acres and inflicting property losses worth hundreds of crores.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported exceptionally high rainfall in some districts of Himachal Pradesh. Mandi: rainfall was 566% above normal in the past 24 hours; Kangra: rainfall was 207% above normal and Kullu: rainfall was 36% below normal.
In the past week, rainfall has been 285% above normal in Mandi and 128% above normal in Kangra, while the overall rainfall across Himachal stood 20% above normal. Since June 1, the state has recorded a 44% seasonal surplus.
At the Bhakra Dam on the Sutlej River in Bilaspur district, the water level stood at 1,676.16 feet on Monday morning, about four feet below the danger mark. The inflow was measured at 40,999 cusecs, while the outflow was higher at 55,000 cusecs. Rainfall in Sutlej-fed districts—Kinnaur, Shimla, Kullu, Mandi, and Bilaspur—was mostly below normal during the past week, except in Mandi.
The IMD has issued a yellow alert for September 16, predicting fairly widespread rain and thunderstorms across Himachal Pradesh. Isolated to scattered rainfall is expected till September 21. In Punjab, where the monsoon has been 50% above normal so far, several areas received light to moderate showers with isolated heavy rainfall in the past 24 hours. The forecast suggests light to moderate rain until September 19, after which dry conditions are likely to prevail.
- With inputs from agencies
