Pong Dam Water Level Surges Dangerously, Red Alert Issued in Himachal and Punjab
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): In a concerning development, the water level in the Pong Dam reservoir located in Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra district has risen dangerously over the past 24 hours, prompting authorities in both Himachal Pradesh and parts of Punjab to issue an alert.
According to a press release issued by the Additional Superintending Engineer (Water Regulation) of BBMB Talwara on Saturday evening, the reservoir’s water level reached 1361.07 feet—significantly higher than last year’s 1328.45 feet on the same date. The maximum storage capacity of the dam is 1,410 feet, with 1,390 feet considered the danger mark. As of Saturday morning, the average inflow into the dam was 87,586 cusecs, while 18,995 cusecs were being discharged through turbines.
This sudden rise in water level is attributed to intense rainfall in the Beas catchment area and recent water releases from the Pandoh Dam in Mandi district. Local tributaries such as Dehar Khad, Buhal Khad, and Dehri Khad are also swollen, contributing further to the water inflow. BBMB engineers warned that based on current inflows and weather forecasts, additional water may need to be released via the dam’s spillways. Consequently, BBMB has urged district administrations in Kangra (Himachal Pradesh) and Hoshiarpur (Punjab) to take precautionary measures. In anticipation of water release, red alerts have been issued and sirens installed in low-lying areas including Rae, Sthana, Sansarpur Terrace, and Riali in Kangra district.
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