Ludhiana (Gurpreet Singh): The southwest monsoon draws to a close in Punjab today, bringing an end to a season marked by intermittent showers and high humidity. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted light rainfall in several districts as the monsoon system gradually exits the region.
As the season wraps up, temperatures across the state are expected to dip slightly, offering relief after weeks of muggy weather. According to officials, Bathinda recorded Friday’s peak temperature at 36.9°C, while the lowest daytime high was observed in Pathankot at 30°C.
Mild rain and occasional thunder are likely to continue in isolated pockets through the day, particularly in central Punjab, the IMD noted. The department also issued an advisory urging residents in low-lying or river-adjacent areas to remain cautious.
Precautionary Water Release from Bhakra Dam
Water management authorities at Bhakra Dam released 40,000 cusecs on Friday in anticipation of rising reservoir levels. The dam’s water level was measured at 1677.68 feet—just below the critical threshold of 1680 feet.
To manage the inflow of 56,334 cusecs, engineers opened all four floodgates by one foot each. The outflow is being regulated through both turbines and spillways, with coordinated releases to maintain safe storage levels.
Further downstream, Nangal Dam is channeling 9,000 cusecs each into the Nangal Hydel Canal and the Anandpur Hydel Canal. Meanwhile, the Sutlej River is carrying a substantial load of 27,000 cusecs, raising concerns in flood-prone zones.
Sutlej Swells Again, Causes Structural Damage
The increase in water volume has once again elevated risk levels along the Sutlej. In Mandala Chhanna, sections of the Dhussi Dam’s protective embankments gave way under pressure from the swift current. Four homes in the vicinity have collapsed due to soil erosion and weakening of the retaining structure.
Emergency teams have been deployed to monitor the area, and local residents have been warned to stay prepared for potential evacuations if the situation worsens.
Officials from the state irrigation department said efforts are underway to reinforce vulnerable stretches of the dam and to limit any further breaches.
Final Showers Before Seasonal Shift
With the monsoon officially retreating from Punjab, the weather pattern is now expected to transition into a drier, post-monsoon phase. However, the IMD has cautioned that isolated rainfall could persist in the next 24 hours as the system fully withdraws.
“This final phase of the monsoon may still bring moderate to heavy showers in some central and eastern districts. We advise people to remain alert, especially near water bodies and in regions with poor drainage,” an IMD spokesperson said.
The gradual retreat of the monsoon also signals the start of preparations for the Rabi cropping season. With significant inflows and reservoir levels near capacity, water availability for irrigation appears promising, though the immediate concern remains flood risk in certain districts.
