Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): Persistent rainfall in Punjab and the adjoining catchment areas has led to a noticeable increase in water flowing into the Bhakra and Pong reservoirs. Both dams are currently receiving considerably more water than they are releasing, pushing their storage levels upward.
Despite the rise, the latest figures show that neither reservoir has reached its maximum operating level. Authorities are, however, keeping a close watch on the situation as the monsoon remains active.
Bhakra receives nearly 49,000 cusecs
At Bhakra Dam, the water level has risen to 1,617.88 feet. The reservoir is receiving 48,548 cusecs of water, while the current release stands at 25,150 cusecs.
The gap between inflow and discharge means that water is continuing to accumulate in the reservoir.
The dam’s maximum level is 1,680 feet, leaving a margin of more than 62 feet at the reported level.
Pong witnessing even higher inflow
The rise is also evident at Pong Dam, where the water level has reached 1,352.37 feet.
Pong is currently receiving 52,326 cusecs of water, compared with an outflow of 15,507 cusecs. The significantly higher inflow is contributing to the steady rise in the reservoir’s storage.
The maximum level at Pong is 1,390 feet, leaving nearly 38 feet between the present level and the upper limit.
Rising inflows warrant continued monitoring
The present figures do not suggest an immediate flood situation from either reservoir. Both remain below their respective maximum levels.
However, the difference between incoming and outgoing water is significant at both dams. Any further spell of heavy rainfall in the catchment areas could push inflows higher.
For that reason, water levels, inflow rates and releases will remain important indicators in the coming days. Authorities are expected to continue monitoring the reservoirs and downstream areas as Punjab moves through another active phase of the monsoon.
