Particle.news
Download on the App Store
5 ARTICLES
·
last wk.

Bhakra Level Dips After BBMB Boosts Releases as Deflection Breaches Routine Limit

Earlier resistance to pre-monsoon drawdown left less cushion for this surge.

The additional 4,500 cusecs water could not be released to Haryana due to Punjab’s stiff resistance.
Continuous inflows from surrounding catchment areas have added to the rising pressure on Bhakra Dam. (HT)
AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal interacting with affected farmers in Kapurthala’s Sultanpur Lodhi on Thursday. (HT)
Image

Overview

  • BBMB recorded Bhakra’s structural deflection at 1.1408 inches, above the 1.03-inch routine limit yet below seismic design tolerance, with officials urging vigilance but not alarm.
  • Outflow was lifted to 85,000 cusecs from 75,000 to curb the rise, with a stated target to lower the reservoir to 1,678.50 feet by September 10.
  • The level eased to 1,678.62 feet from 1,679.05 feet as inflows fell from 95,435 to 76,318 cusecs and outflow stayed near 80,792–85,000 cusecs, according to Friday morning readings.
  • Punjab minister Harjot Singh Bains welcomed the 0.43-foot drop as a relief, citing clearer weather over the Himachal catchment and stable conditions in vulnerable areas.
  • Pong Dam remains above its full reservoir level around 1,394.6–1,394.8 feet with increased releases, and BBMB records show Punjab blocked an additional 4,500 cusecs April release to Haryana that officials say could have created about five feet of buffer at Bhakra.