NHPC to release additional water from Parbati-II Dam, public advised to stay away from riverbanks
Kullu, July 8
The National Hydroelectric Power Corporation on Tuesday issued a public advisory announcing that additional water will be released from the Pulga Dam of the 800 MW Parbati Hydroelectric Project Stage-II in Kullu district due to a continuous rise in the reservoir level and the possibility of heavy inflows.
According to the advisory, around 60 cumecs of water will be released through the radial gates of the Pulga Dam at 8:30 pm on July 7. With the additional release, the total discharge into the Parbati River, including the existing environmental flow of about 119 cumecs, will increase to approximately 179 cumecs.
NHPC said that if water inflows into the reservoir increase further, additional water may be released through the dam's radial gates, which could lead to a further rise in the water level of the Parbati River.
The corporation has appealed to the general public, tourists, labourers and other people to stay away from the banks of the Parbati River and avoid venturing near the river during the period of increased discharge.
It has also urged owners and managers of hotels, guest houses, homestays, camps and taxi operators to advise visiting and travelling tourists to maintain a safe distance from the riverbanks.
As part of the safety measures, NHPC said hooters and sirens will be sounded before the release of water, while public announcement vehicles will be deployed in nearby areas to alert residents and visitors.
The advisory has been issued in the public interest, and NHPC has sought the cooperation of all stakeholders to ensure public safety.
Earlier on July 2, Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated NHPC's 300 MW Karnisar Solar Power Plant in Rajasthan's Bikaner.
According to a press release by the NHPC, the project marks a significant addition to India's renewable energy capacity and underscores the nation's commitment to clean energy and sustainable development.
Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister emphasised that renewable energy is the cornerstone of India's energy security and sustainable future. He further highlighted that Rajasthan is witnessing the development of world-class solar power infrastructure, reinforcing its position as a key contributor to the nation's clean energy ambitions.
The 300 MW Karnisar Solar Power Plant represents NHPC's continued commitment towards strengthening India's renewable energy capacity and supporting the Government of India's vision of Aatma Nirbhar Bharat, with the project being developed using approximately 7.75 lakh domestically manufactured Solar PV Cells and Modules, the press release stated.
The solar power plant is expected to generate around 75 crore units of clean electricity annually, significantly contributing to the nation's renewable energy basket while helping offset nearly 6.4 lakh tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions every year, thereby promoting environmental sustainability and supporting India's climate commitments.
Besides producing clean energy, the project has also contributed to the socio-economic development of the region by creating direct and indirect employment opportunities for over 40 local persons, thereby generating sustainable livelihoods in the remote areas of Rajasthan.
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is a necessary precaution, but I hope they also consider the impact on local fishing communities downstream. Monsoon is already unpredictable. A little more coordination with district authorities would help. Still, better safe than sorry.
Sounds like standard safety protocol. I'm surprised they're notifying via sirens and announcements - that's actually quite effective for rural areas. Good on NHPC for taking this seriously. Hope tourists listen and don't try to get selfies near the river. 📸
Waah, 179 cumecs of water flow - that's no joke! The Parbati can turn dangerous in minutes. I remember last year's floods in Himachal. NHPC is doing the right thing. But why mention the solar plant in totally unrelated article? Feels like forced PR. 🤔
Kullu mein abhi tourist season chal raha hai. Hotel walo ko bhi responsibility lena chahiye. Stay away from riverbanks - simple rule. Nice to see NHPC using hooters and PA systems. But 40 local jobs in Rajasthan solar plant? That's too little for such a big project. 🙏
Respectfully, this article seems mixed up - half about dam release, half about solar plant inauguration. The solar project is great for green energy, but the dam release warning is what matters NOW. Hope authorities keep updating water levels hourly. Monsoon is no joke. 🌊
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.