Himachal: Water level near danger mark at Pong dam
BBMB Set to Release Excess Water
Babushahi Bureau
Dharamshala (Himachal Pradesh), August 3, 2025: A red alert has been issued across low-lying areas of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab after a sharp rise in the water level of the Pong Dam in Kangra district.
The Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) has announced plans to release excess water from the dam’s spillway on Saturday night to prevent it from breaching the danger mark.
As per BBMB data, the water level in the Pong reservoir surged to 1361.07 feet by Saturday morning — significantly higher than last year’s level of 1328.45 feet on the same date.
With the dam’s danger level pegged at 1390 feet and its full capacity at 1410 feet, the situation has raised serious concerns.
Officials attribute the rise to heavy rainfall in the Beas catchment area, water discharge from the Pandoh Dam in Mandi, and increased inflow from swollen tributaries like Dehar Khad, Buhal Khad, and Dehri Khad. An alarming 87,586 cusecs of inflow was recorded, prompting BBMB to release 18,995 cusecs through the turbines.
District administrations in Kangra (HP) and Hoshiarpur (Punjab) have activated emergency protocols. Hooters have been installed in Re, Sthana, Sansarpur Terrace, and Riali in Kangra to warn residents before water discharge.
Kangra Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa said he has urged BBMB to release the water in a controlled and phased manner to minimize risk to life and property.
The administration has appealed to people residing near rivers and drains to stay alert and move to safer locations if needed.
“As soon as the siren sounds, people must vacate the area and remain cautious. This is a routine safety measure but must be taken seriously,” said a district official.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and further action will depend on rainfall intensity in the coming days.