Nangal, Aug 19— With the Bhakra Dam nearing its capacity, the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) on Tuesday began controlled water release, opening the floodgates for the first time this season.
According to officials, the gates were opened at 3 p.m. in phases. In the first stage, water was released by one foot, followed by two feet at 4 p.m., and three feet at 5 p.m. through both radial and flood-control gates. “The release plan is being carried out strictly as scheduled to ensure safety and smooth operations,” said a BBMB official.
As per BBMB norms, the water level at Bhakra Dam should have been 1,662 feet by August 19. However, on Tuesday it touched 1,665 feet — three feet above the prescribed limit. Officials added that forecasts of heavy rainfall in the Sutlej catchment on August 24 and 25, as well as in September, prompted the decision to reduce water levels.
Around 45,000 cusecs are to be released today, with 22,000 cusecs flowing into the natural course of the Sutlej river and another 23,000 cusecs diverted through the Nangal Hydel Canal. The canal connects to the Bhakra Main Line and Anandpur Sahib Hydel Canal, which eventually rejoin the Sutlej near Kiratpur Sahib.
Authorities have issued warnings to people living in the Bela region within the riverbed and those residing along the Sutlej banks to avoid venturing near the water.
