In a grim turn of events, Punjab is grappling with floods once again as the release of excess water from Bhakra and Pong Dams has led to the inundation of multiple areas. More than 3,000 individuals have been relocated to safer zones in response to the escalating situation, according to Hindustan Times.
The onslaught of floods has severely affected areas in districts such as Hoshiarpur, Gurdaspur, and Rupnagar. These regions are grappling with submerged lands, disrupted livelihoods, and the displacement of residents due to the surge in water levels. The Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), responsible for overseeing these dams, has announced its intent to release excess water in a controlled manner over the next several days to bring reservoir levels to a safer point.
The Secretary of BBMB, Satish Singla, explained that the release of excess water was prompted by heavy inflow into the reservoirs. Presently, the Bhakra Dam’s water level stands at 1,677 feet, while the Pong Dam’s water level is at 1,398 feet. Both dams, located in Himachal Pradesh, have experienced heightened levels due to substantial rainfall in their catchment areas.
The release of surplus water from these reservoirs has resulted in rising water levels in the Beas and Sutlej rivers. Consequently, low-lying areas and those adjacent to riverbanks in Punjab have faced flooding.
This unfortunate event marks the second instance of floods hitting Punjab within a little over a month. A previous bout of heavy rainfall between July 9 and 11 had triggered floods, affecting extensive agricultural land and disrupting daily life.
Despite the challenges, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann assured residents that the situation is under control. The government’s primary focus remains on conducting rescue and relief operations in the hardest-hit regions. Mann personally monitors the evolving situation to ensure the safety and well-being of the affected population.