Bhakra Dam Outflow Cut: Will This Move Save Punjab’s Weakening Sutlej Embankments?
Outflow reduced by 15,000 cusecs after Ludhiana DC’s SOS; relief for flood-hit districts but caution remains...
Ropar: In a crucial step to avert further disaster, the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) has reduced the outflow from the Bhakra Dam by 15,000 cusecs, following an urgent request from Ludhiana Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain.
The DC had sent an SOS message, warning that multiple embankments along the Sutlej in Ludhiana district were on the verge of breaching. Responding swiftly, the BBMB chairman ordered the release of only 70,000 cusecs, down from the earlier 85,000 cusecs.
Officials said that, as a result, only 50,000 cusecs of water would flow into the Sutlej over the next six hours, giving Punjab authorities time to strengthen vulnerable embankments.
Dam water levels (as of 6 am, Friday):
Bhakra Dam: 1,678.74 feet
Pong Dam: 1,394.71 feet
The Pong Dam, however, continues to hold high water levels with an inflow of 1,05,950 cusecs and an outflow of 99,763 cusecs.
Officials added that with rain activity decreasing and forecasts predicting lesser rainfall in the coming days, BBMB may continue to maintain outflow at around 70,000 cusecs for the next couple of days.
The decision has brought temporary relief to residents living along the Sutlej in Ropar and other affected districts, but authorities have advised people to remain alert.
“The situation is under control for now, but caution is still necessary,” a district official said.
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