NANGAL: The Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) has initiated a scheduled increase in water discharge from the Nangal Dam into the Sutlej River, prompting the local administration to issue a safety advisory for residents in the downstream areas.
The discharge rate, which previously stood at 650 cusecs, has been ramped up to 4,650 cusecs as part of the board’s established operational schedule.
Public Safety Advisory
In light of the increased water flow, the district administration has urged citizens to exercise extreme caution. An advisory has been issued strictly prohibiting the public from entering the riverbed for any activities, including:
-
Bathing or swimming in the river.
-
Washing clothes along the banks.
-
Allowing livestock to enter the water.
The administration has emphasized that these restrictions remain in effect until 5:00 PM today, June 14, 2026. Residents are advised to stay clear of the riverbanks to prevent any untoward incidents.
Weather Context: Mixed Outlook for Punjab
The water release coincides with a dynamic weather period across Punjab. After several days of intense heat, the state experienced a welcomed drop in temperature—with maximums falling to 31°C in cities like Jalandhar—providing residents with a brief but much-needed reprieve.
However, the Meteorological Department has cautioned that the relief may be temporary. According to the Chandigarh Meteorological Centre, the weather pattern is shifting due to active systems near Pakistan and western Rajasthan.
Key Forecast Highlights:
-
Impending Instability: While today provides a respite, the state is bracing for a change in weather. The IMD has predicted scattered rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40 to 50 km/h across various districts in Punjab starting June 15.
-
Temperature Rise: Meteorologists have warned that day temperatures are expected to climb by 4 to 6 degrees Celsius over the next five days as the current weather system moves through.
-
General Outlook: The region is likely to remain cloudy through June 18, with drier conditions expected to return by June 19.
Local authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and have requested the public to stay updated with official bulletins regarding both dam operations and weather alerts.
Leave a Reply