J-K: Multiple gates of Baglihar Hydroelectric Power Project Dam opened amid heavy rainfall
Ramban, July 25
Following continuous heavy rainfall across the upper catchment areas of Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban districts, multiple gates of the Baglihar Hydroelectric Power Project Dam on the Chenab River have been opened to regulate the increased inflow and ensure the safe discharge of excess water from the reservoir.
The controlled release of water is a precautionary measure aimed at maintaining the structural safety of the dam and managing rising water levels resulting from persistent rainfall.
Authorities are closely monitoring river flows and weather conditions and are coordinating with relevant departments to ensure public safety.
Meanwhile, heavy rainfall continues to lash several parts of Reasi district, leading to a sharp rise in water inflow into the Chenab River and the Salal Dam reservoir.
In view of the increased inflow, authorities have opened multiple gates of the Salal Dam to regulate the reservoir level and ensure the safe discharge of excess water.
The release has significantly increased the water level and flow of the Chenab River downstream.
Residents, particularly those living in low-lying areas and along the riverbanks, have been advised to remain vigilant, avoid venturing near the river, and strictly follow the advisories issued by the district administration as the wet weather continues to persist.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Praying for everyone's safety in Jammu 🙏 These sudden releases can be very dangerous for people living along the riverbanks. I hope the authorities have a proper early warning system in place and are reaching out to every village downstream.
They should have done this 24 hours earlier. With the kind of rain we've been having in Doda and Kishtwar, it was obvious the dam would fill up. Why always wait till the last moment? Also, why is there no real-time flood warning system for villages downstream of these dams?
I live in Akhnoor, downstream of this. The water level has risen suddenly. We received an alert from the district administration last night asking us to move our cattle to higher ground. So far, the response has been decent. But coordination between NHPC and local disaster management needs to improve.
This is the reality of climate change in the Himalayas. Unpredictable rainfall patterns are affecting our hydro projects. While the dam operation is necessary, we also need to look at afforestation in catchment areas to reduce runoff. Just managing water release isn't a long-term solution.
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