Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): As weather systems strengthen over North India, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded an alert for widespread heavy rainfall across Punjab for three consecutive days — September 12, 13, and 14. In response, water management authorities have begun taking precautionary steps to prevent any flood-related emergencies.
In a significant move, Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains revealed that at 11:30 AM today, an additional 5,000 cusecs of water was released from Bhakra Dam to ease pressure on the reservoir and accommodate possible inflows from the expected downpours.
“The discharge is a precautionary action based on the updated rainfall projections. It’s a routine safety measure to balance dam levels,” said Minister Bains.
Flood Precautions Activated Across the State
District administrations across Punjab, especially in Ropar, Hoshiarpur, and Anandpur Sahib, have been put on high alert. Emergency control rooms have been reactivated and rescue units, boats, and medical teams are being readied in areas close to rivers and canals.
The Meteorological Department has warned that the upcoming spell could lead to sudden surges in water levels, posing risks in low-lying areas and near riverbanks. Rural development and panchayat offices have also been instructed to prepare shelters in case evacuations are required.
Controlled Dam Release Aims to Mitigate Flooding
Officials from the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) confirmed that the release from the Bhakra Nangal Dam is part of standard operating procedures during peak monsoon conditions. The extra 5,000 cusecs were released through the spillway gates into downstream channels where capacity had been reviewed in advance.
Engineers at the dam are monitoring inflow data around the clock, ensuring real-time coordination with flood control rooms in Punjab and neighboring Haryana.
