Himachal floods: BBMB releases 10,000 cusecs of water from Pong Dam into Beas river
The Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) has decided to release 10,000 cusecs of water from the Pong Dam into the Beas river in order to manage the ongoing flooding situation in Himachal Pradesh. The decision comes as the river continues to receive a daily influx of around 80,000 cusecs of water due to heavy rainfall in the catchment areas.
The BBMB, which is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Pong Dam and the Bhakra Dam, held a technical committee meeting in Chandigarh on Wednesday to discuss the controlled release of water. The meeting involved officials from partner states such as Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and Delhi.
According to board officials, the release of 10,000 cusecs of water is well within the river’s carrying capacity and will not cause any downstream flooding. However, upstream of the dam, there is still a significant influx of water due to the heavy rainfall.
The decision to release water was made after considering the fact that the dam is currently two-thirds full. By implementing a controlled release, the authorities hope to prevent further overflow and manage the situation effectively.
The BBMB’s move aims to strike a balance between the need to manage the flooding and the potential risks associated with the release of excess water. The decision was based on a thorough assessment of the river’s capacity, ensuring that downstream areas are not at risk of flooding.
The release of water from the Pong Dam highlights the efforts being made to address the challenging situation caused by heavy rainfall in the region. It also reflects the collaborative approach taken by the BBMB and the partner states to mitigate the impact of the floods.
In conclusion, the controlled release of 10,000 cusecs of water from the Pong Dam into the Beas river demonstrates the proactive measures being taken to manage the flood situation in Himachal Pradesh. The BBMB, along with partner states, is working towards a strategy that ensures the safety of downstream areas while effectively handling the ongoing heavy rainfall and subsequent inflow of water.
