Water level in Bhakra, Ranjit sagar dams remains low due to scanty rainfall
Kanwar Inder Singh/ royalpatiala.in/ Chandigarh
Though the monsoon hit Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, but the water level in Punjab’s dam remain low, as compare to last year, this day. The inflow of water is also recorded lesser as compare to last year, on this day.
As per the figures, last year till July 30, the water level at Bhakra dam reservoirs was at 1645.28 feet with inflow of water as 52920 cusecs. But this year, same day, July 30, the water level is at 1617.20 feet , with inflow of 48124 cusecs. Bhakhra dam can hold water upto 1680 feet.
As per sources, by the end of July, the water level in Bhakra dam reservoirs touches 1,630 to 1,640 ft mark, generally, but this year it is lagging behind, due to insufficient rainfall in the catchment area this year.
Likewise the water level at Ranjit Sagar dam reservoirs was at 514.36 feet , on July 30,2019. But this year the water level is at 509.17 feet. Even water inflow is receded in Ranjit Sagar dam too. On july 30,2019 the water inflow was 16652 , but this year, on same day, its 11729 cusecs. Ranjit Sagar dam maximum height is 527.91 feet but permissible limit is at 524.91 feet.
The only dam which is at par or above as compare to last year, same day is Pong dam. Last year Pong dam reservoirs was at 1337.99 feet, whereas, today its level is at 1338.00 level. The inflow of water in Pong dam was 21069 cusecs on july,30,2010, where as its 21479 on july,30,2020. The maximum height of Pong dam is 1390 feet and minimum height is 1260 feet.
“The low level at reservoirs also have an impact on electricity generation also. With low outflow of water the lesser electricity will be generated. Punjab gets 100 percent electricity share from Ranjit Sagar dam and Pong dam. Where as electricity generated from Bhakra dam is distributed amongst partner states’ said a PSPCL officer.
Ranjit Sagar dam is on river Ravi and houses four generating units of 150 MW each with total capacity of 600 MW. Pong Dam installed capacity of power house is 396 MW (6×66 MW).
July,30,2020
