The ongoing water release from Pong Dam has created a ‘Water Strike’ situation stretching from Himachal Pradesh to Punjab. It caused displacing hundreds of people across the region.
This flood-like condition was caused by the continuous and massive discharge of water from the dam. It is resulting from heavy and incessant rains in the Himachal Pradesh catchment areas.
Impact and Flood Situation
The water levels in the Pong Dam have now surpassed the above-danger marks. It requiring water to be continuously released by officials in order to keep the river at bay.
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BBMB (Bhakra Beas Management Board) announced that they would be releasing over 1.1 lakh cusecs. It is something we have never seen before during monsoon in recent years. Heavy rainfall over a number of days happeing in the districts of Kangra, Mandi, and Kullu in Himachal Pradesh.
This sudden and sustained release has caused extensive flooding downstream, mainly in Punjab’s Hoshiarpur and Kapurthala districts. Hundreds of villages and thousands of acres of agricultural land remain submerged.
Over 192 villages have reported damage, with thousands of families displaced and crops devastated, causing severe distress to farmers. Relief operations going on like emergency aid like dry fodder, ration, and supplies being rushed. Neighboring districts Moga, Jalandhar, and Faridkot helping them.
Himachal Pradesh and Punjab in Crisis
Within Himachal Pradesh, seven villages in Kangra district’s Jawali area. They have experienced the worst impact with floodwaters entering homes and damaging crops. In Punjab, low-lying areas continue to face severe waterlogging. Flood risk happened rising waters of the Beas river.
Officials from both states have urged close coordination, emphasizing the need for timely information sharing about rainfall. In Himachal Pradesh, which plays a critical role in the flood situation downstream in Punjab. Punjab government urged to declare the floods as a natural calamity. In order to access central government relief funds.
Government Response and Relief Efforts
Revenue Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian and other local officials have been actively monitoring relief operations. In flood-hit districts including Kapurthala, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, and Fazilka. Special compensation schemes for crop damage have been announced, and emergency services continue to rescue displaced families.
BBMB continues to closely monitor dam levels and controlled water releases from Pong and Bhakra dams. To balance the reservoir safety while minimizing downstream flood damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is Pong Dam releasing so much water?
Heavy rains have raised the dam’s water level above the danger mark. To prevent overflow and protect the dam’s structure, water is being released downstream in a controlled manner.
2. Which areas are most affected by the flooding?
Punjab’s Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, Tarn Taran, and villages in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh are severely impacted. Flooding caused by dam water releases.
3. How much water is being released from Pong Dam?
Pong Dam is currently releasing over 1 lakh cusecs of water. Marking some of the highest flows in recent years due to continuous heavy rainfall.
4. What is the status of Bhakra Dam and water release?
Bhakra Dam’s water level has risen sharply, nearing its danger mark at 1680 feet. Authorities are releasing about 56,000 cusecs downstream to manage reservoir safety. With flood alerts in downstream Punjab districts including Ropar and Jalandhar.
5. What relief and precautions are advised?
Emergency aid, evacuations, and crop damage compensation are underway in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. Residents near rivers are advised to stay alert, follow official updates, and move to safer locations if warned.
