M A I N   N E W S

Bhakra, Pong levels fall
Region may face power problems
By Ajay Banerjee
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Aug 22 — The water level of the reservoirs at Bhakra and Pong dams — which meet the water and power requirements of millions of people in this region — is at present lower by 20 feet and 27 feet, respectively, than the level it should have been by now.

Meaning, if the situation does not improve, and it is unlikely to, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Chandigarh and Himachal Pradesh will have to do with a lesser share of power and water in the coming months. The Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) authorities have already classified the conditions as “dry”.

The share of water and power of partner states is fixed on the basis of three parameters that change according to the inflow of water in the reservoirs. The three parameters are fixed as dry, dependable and mean. The last being the best followed by dependable and dry conditions. The same will be conveyed to the partner states in the forthcoming monthly meeting. If the situation improves, automatically the water outflow and generation of power will be increased

The BBMB, according to its own estimates, is confident that it will manage to supply water and power using the water judiciously and there is no need to panic. Examples of 1993 when the reservoir at the Bhakra filled only up to 1628 elevation feet — the lowest level ever — are being cited. Even then everything was managed very well without hitting “dead level” of the dam.

Reduced inflow of water, especially in the Sutlej river, due to the poor rainfall in the catchment area, has led to the present conditions, sources said adding that the inflow of water into the Bhakra was less than even the minimum parameter for classification of a dry season. Even in the dry season the minimum inflow is about 38,000 cusecs. However, today it was 28,000 cusecs. And it has been hovering around this mark for the past fortnight, sources said. The inflow from the Beas is at its usual — that is 8500 cusecs all around the year.

Now, at the fag end of the monsoons, there is no chance of the Bhakra and Pong reservoirs filling up to their optimum capacity that is 1680 elevation feet and 1390 elevation feet, respectively, say sources. The filling season for the two massive reservoirs ends on September 20. This date is crucial and the level in the reservoirs will decide the future use of water in the winter months and the early part of summer next year.