Punjab on high alert: Ranjit Sagar Dam releases water; early October could bring record-breaking rains
PTC Web Desk: Punjab, still recovering from recent devastating floods, is now facing the threat of yet another flood. Following a fresh forecast from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting heavy rainfall from October 4 to 7 across Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu, the Ranjit Sagar Dam has released additional water into the Ravi river.
Senior engineers and technical experts from the Punjab Water Resources Department discussed the situation with top IMD officials during a virtual meeting. Meanwhile, the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) has initiated internal deliberations and strategic planning to manage the expected water surge.
Record-breaking rain likely in early October
The first week of October could prove challenging for Punjab. Meteorologists warn that rainfall could break 80-year-old records. Rain is expected to begin on the night of October 4, with heavy to very heavy rainfall anticipated on October 6 and 7. During this period, the average rainfall is forecasted at 110 mm in Punjab, around 120 mm in Jammu, and 160–180 mm in Himachal Pradesh.
In view of the flood threat, the Punjab Government has started releasing water from the Ranjit Sagar Dam into the Ravi river. Prior to this, 10,000 cusecs of water were being released; on Thursday at 1 pm, the release increased to 37,686 cusecs. Experts note that such high rainfall in October is unprecedented. Nearly 500,000 acres of crops in Punjab have already been affected, and efforts to remove sand deposits from fields are underway at a war-footing.
The Punjab Government has also written to the Chief Engineer of Haryana’s Water Resources Department, requesting regulation of the Kaushalya Dam in anticipation of heavy rainfall on October 6–7. This step aims to ensure that water from the hills can be stored in the dam, preventing overflow in the Ghaggar.
With the increased water release from Ranjit Sagar Dam reaching 35,000 cusecs, the Ravi River has once again seen a surge in water levels, raising concerns of flooding in low-lying areas. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and are taking precautionary measures to minimise damage.
Warming to farmers and general public
Dr Pavneet Kaur Kingra, a weather scientist at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, has shared the weather forecast. She stated that there will be noticeable changes in the weather in the coming days. According to her, rainfall is expected across the state between October 5 and 7. She also mentioned that the IMD (India Meteorological Department) has issued yellow and orange alerts.
In this context, she made a special appeal to the general public and farmers, advising them that the changing weather can cause various illnesses. She also urged farmers to take precautions to protect their crops from the anticipated rainfall.
- PTC NEWS
