Ranjit Sagar, Pong dams brimming, Bhakra kept on a tight rein; dams still have margin of pre 1988 era
Kanwar Inder Singh/ royalpatiala.in News/ August 26,2025
Due to incessant rain in the region and catchment areas of Pong, Ranjit Sagar and Bhakra, the dams are brimming.
As per latest updates , the water inflow in Pong dam touched 2.33 lacs cusecs due to heavy rainfall. The water level has already crosses the fixed maximum level of 1390 feet. The authorities are releasing 75,000 cusecs of water through turbine and spillways (flood gates). The majority of water is released through spillways and rest through turbines.
Similarly, today the water level of Bhakra dam is 1671 feet even after releasing around 43800 cusecs of water. Out of this 7400 cusecs of water is released from Bhakra spillways and rest from the turbines. Out of this 43800 cusecs, 21,000 cusecs is released in Satluj and rest around 22800 in canals. Today 57000 cusecs of water inflow is recorded in Bhakra dam reservoir.
Similarly, the water level of Ranjit Sagar Dam has reached 527.71 meter against the maximum capacity of 527.91 meter means just 0.20 meters or few inches less than the maximum limit. The inflow of water recorded around 2.08 lac cusses and the 1.70 lac cusecs of water is discharged from the dam.
“At present the maximum water level for Bhakra dam is fixed at 1680 feet and 1390 feet of Pong dam. But before 1988 floods, the maximum water level of Bhakra dam was 1685 feet and for Pong dam it was 1400 feet. After 1988 floods the maximum limit of Bhakra dam was fixed at 1680 feet and for 1390 feet for Pong dam to avoid any mishappening” said an officer of BBMB on the condition of anonymity.
A senior Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) functionary said “ the board is keeping an eagle’s eye on the situation and is in constant touch with the Punjab and partner states. The board is again holding a Technical Committee Meeting (TCM) on Wednesday to chalk out further plan after reviewing the current situation. We are keeping our fingers crossed as IMD has already predicted heavy rain on August 30 and 31”.
