After Pong Dam, now the water level of Bhakra Dam is also close to touching its maximum level. Bhakra, counted among the biggest dams of Asia, has a maximum capacity of 1680 feet and on Tuesday its water level was recorded at 1665 feet. The inflow of water in the dam is constantly increasing and due to this BBMB has opened 2 flood gates from the main dam. However, there is no danger in the lower areas. BBMB is constantly monitoring the situation. BBMB has released 45 thousand cusecs of water into the canal. Similarly, by opening 5 gates built in Nangal Dam ahead of Bhakra, this water has been released into Sutlej River.
On the other hand, Gobind Sagar Lake built under Bhakra Dam has also started filling up with water. The temple complex situated between the lake in Raipur-Andrauli has also started getting surrounded by water. Water has touched the temple complex from one side, while within the coming few days this entire complex can be filled to the brim with water. Due to heavy rains in many other areas including Kinnaur and Rampur and rising water level in Sutlej, Bhakra Dam is now quite full. The area from Kutlehar to Bilaspur in Una district has turned into a lake due to the dam.
The normal water level of Bhakra Dam is 1648.50 feet, whereas last year on August 19, 2024, the water level of the dam was recorded at 1631.6 feet and this year today it has been recorded at 1665.06 feet. The inflow of water is now 38,74,020 cusecs, whereas last year it was 32,34,641 cusecs. Normally it is only up to 37,19,601. Since the inflow has increased this year, the flood gates have been opened.
On the other hand, if we talk about Pong Dam, its normal level is 1361.73 whereas last year in 2024, on 19th August, it was 1355.07 and this time the record is 1382.98. Due to the increase in water in Beas and Satlul, now the need has arisen to open the gates.
