Punjab to remain on alert for next 72 hours despite weather clearance in most parts
By Raju William
Ludhiana, Sept 25, 2018: Even as the weather gods have relented since Monday night, the state will be on alert for the next 72 hours.
Considering the weather forecast, south-western districts of the state may have seen clear sky yet parts of some districts including Rupnagar, Hoshiarpur, Nawanshahr, Gurdaspur lying in catchment areas of rivers and closer to hilly areas of Himachal Pradesh and J&K may still not be entirely in safe zone.
The prevailing weather condition in the neighbouring hill states is still a cause of concern as continuing rains there will have direct fallout on the situation here.
Moreover, the state administration is seized of the possibility of damage to human life and property due to sudden change in weather after a long spell of rains and cloudy conditions spread over days.
“It’s good to see weather clearing but still all precautionary measures will remain in place for the next 72 hours,” said a senior officer.
To ease excess inflows into Pong Dam reservoir, over 30,000 cusecs water will be released by Tuesday evening. A warning ahead of water release was issued on Monday. However, the water level in Bhakra is reportedly well below the maximum mark.