The Pong Dam in Punjab has released more than 23,000 cusecs of water due to heavy rainfall in the upper regions of the Beas River. The decision was taken as a precautionary step to manage the rising water inflow into the reservoir. According to dam officials, the inflow into the dam has now crossed 1.90 lakh cusecs.
Rakesh Gupta, Chief Engineer of Pong (Beas) Dam, explained that the water was released in a controlled manner. Around 4,000 cusecs of water was released through the spillway gates, and another 19,300 cusecs was released through the powerhouse tunnels, which generate electricity. This brought the total discharge to about 23,300 cusecs.
Gupta also confirmed that the water level in the reservoir currently stands at 1,373 feet. This is still 17 feet below the danger mark, so there is no immediate threat. The release of water is part of the routine operations during the monsoon season and helps maintain safe levels in the reservoir.
Meanwhile, the district administration in Hoshiarpur has issued an advisory to residents, asking them not to panic. Officials said that the entire operation is being carried out with care and preparation. The deputy commissioner of Hoshiarpur, Ashika Jain, said the administration is fully prepared to deal with any emergency if it arises.
To keep everything under control, sub-divisional magistrates (SDMs) in Mukerian and Dasuya — two areas that had experienced flooding in previous years — have been directed to stay alert. The local authorities are also keeping an eye on villages that are known to be at risk during heavy rains or water releases from the dam.
Even though the current situation is under control, many people living in the Mand area near the dam are anxious. Their fear comes from the memories of 2023, when a sudden and large release of water caused widespread flooding. That disaster affected about 3,000 acres of land and led to serious damage in many villages.
Charanjit Singh, the sarpanch (village head) of Rara village, said the villagers are worried because of what happened two years ago. “The sudden water release in 2023 caused huge losses to farmers and homes. We were not given proper compensation. Now, with the release happening again, those painful memories are coming back,” he said.
The Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), which manages the Pong Dam, has also sounded an alert. It warned that more water might need to be released if the inflow into the dam continues to rise due to ongoing rains. This warning has added to the concern among people in the flood-prone areas near the Beas River.
Officials are working to ensure that any water release is controlled and that people living downstream are informed in advance. Still, many residents are urging the government to improve communication and provide proper compensation if damage occurs again. They are also requesting that better flood protection measures be put in place, such as embankments and early warning systems.
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For now, the situation is stable, and no serious flooding has been reported. However, weather conditions in the coming days will be crucial. The administration is monitoring rainfall closely and staying in touch with dam officials to coordinate any necessary actions.
The local government is also asking people to stay alert and follow any safety instructions issued by authorities. Residents living in low-lying areas or near the river banks are especially advised to remain cautious and be ready to move to safer places if needed.
This incident highlights how important dam management is during the monsoon season. Releasing water on time and in a controlled way helps avoid bigger disasters. But it also shows that local communities need support, early information, and quick help in case things go wrong.
The district administration has assured that it is better prepared this time, and all departments are on high alert. Emergency response teams are ready, and coordination between local officials, the BBMB, and the police is ongoing. While the release of water from the Pong Dam is a routine part of managing monsoon inflow, everyone involved is hoping that the situation remains under control and no harm comes to the villages downstream.
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