Bhakra eases but Pong critical, Bhakra-Beas Board chairman fuels debate

Punjab reels under floods as BBMB chief's conflicting remarks raise accountability questions.

- TARUNI GANDHI

Inflows into Bhakra Dam fell to 62,481 cusecs on Saturday, lowering the water level to 1,678.14 feet—about two feet below its peak storage of 1,680 feet. BBMB officials said the dam would continue to release nearly 70,000 cusecs until the level drops to 1,677 feet, creating a cushion in case of fresh September rain. Out of the outflow, about 55,000 cusecs has been released into the Sutlej basin and 15,000 cusecs into the Nangal and Anandpur Sahib hydel canals.

Yet, villages in the Bela belt of Ropar district remain marooned, with relief work continuing by the administration and volunteers. Pong Dam, however, is still critical at 1,394.67 feet—over four feet above its permissible level of 1,390 feet—with inflows of 98,418 cusecs and outflows of 99,673 cusecs. Officials said these high releases would persist until the level is brought down to safe limits, keeping thousands along the Beas river in Punjab and Himachal on edge.