Rising water threat in Punjab rivers looms due to possible water release from India's dams
In a recent development, flood alerts have been issued across several districts in Punjab due to the controlled release of large volumes of water from the Bhakra, Pong, and Thein dams in India. The Bhakra Dam, managed by the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), has opened its floodgates for the first time in two years, releasing 45,000 cusecs of water into the Sutlej River. Similarly, the Pong Dam is releasing an additional 6,000 cusecs into the Beas River.
The decision to release water comes as the reservoir levels of these dams have reached 61%, 76%, and 64% of their total capacity, respectively. The Bhakra Dam's reservoir level is currently at 1,665.37 feet, just about 15.45 feet below its maximum permissible storage level, marking a 35-foot rise compared to last year.
The increased water flow in the Sutlej River has raised concerns, with a spokesperson for the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) of Punjab stating that there is a fear of India releasing more water into the Sutlej River in the coming days.
Downstream, heavy inflows into Punjab’s rivers Beas, Ravi, and Sutlej have caused water levels to surge. For instance, the Ravi River is expected to discharge over 1.5 lakh cusecs, prompting flood warnings in Gurdaspur and Tarn Taran districts where thousands of acres of farmland have been submerged. The Sutlej river at the Harike headworks recorded inflows exceeding 1.1 lakh cusecs, causing concerns of flood-like conditions in downstream areas.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority has urged residents along the riverbanks to move to safer locations. Authorities remain on high alert, advising local populations to stay vigilant and prepared.
Elsewhere, intense monsoon rains have triggered floods and landslides in Gilgit Baltistan, a region with several tourist hotspots, resulting in at least 10 deaths and injuring four others.
The recent monsoon spell has resulted in over 300 deaths across Pakistan, with several others still missing, and significant damage to infrastructure. The PDMA is monitoring the situation round the clock.
The new monsoon spell, expected from August 13, is likely to cause rising water levels in major rivers, including the Sutlej, Ravi, Chenab, and Jhelum, as per the advisory issued by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority. However, specific locations or areas at risk of flooding have not been specified.
It is important to note that this article does not provide specific information about the potential impact or precautions being taken in response to the flooding warning. Residents in the affected areas are advised to stay updated with local news and follow instructions from local authorities.
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