The impact of changing weather patterns is clearly visible on the major dams linked to the Sutlej-Beas river system. According to data from the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) for August 28, a significant drop in water inflow has been recorded at the Bhakra, Pong, and Ranjit Sagar dams compared to the same date last year. Water levels are also considerably lower than last year’s figures.
The consistently low inflow has raised concerns regarding essential water supplies for the upcoming summer. On Friday, the water level at Bhakra Dam was recorded at 1,634.76 feet, whereas on the same day last year, it stood at 1,671.90 feet—a deficit of 37.14 feet.
Water inflow at Bhakra was 34,335 cusecs, compared to 53,856 cusecs recorded last year. This represents a reduction of 19,521 cusecs, or approximately 36.25 percent. Currently, 25,738 cusecs of water are being released from the dam, down from 45,882 cusecs released last year—a decrease of 20,144 cusecs.
Water levels in dams on August 28:
Dam Name | Water Level | Water Inflow
— | — | —
Bhakra Dam | 1,634.76 feet | 34,335 cusecs
Pong Dam | 1,366.00 feet | 23,071 cusecs
Ranjit Sagar Dam | 514.57 meters | 9,119 cusecs
**Worrying Situation at Pong Dam**
Similarly, the situation at Pong Dam also presents a cause for concern. On August 28, the water level at Pong Dam stood at 1,366 feet, whereas it was recorded at 1,393.49 feet during the same period last year; this indicates a deficit of 27.49 feet. Water inflow into Pong Dam on this day was merely 23,071 cusecs, compared to 110,224 cusecs last year.
This represents a massive drop in inflow of 87,153 cusecs, or approximately 79.07 percent. Water discharge from Pong Dam is currently 14,518 cusecs, down from 94,845 cusecs last year—a reduction of 80,327 cusecs, or about 84.69 percent.
**Low Water Levels at Ranjit Sagar Too**
The water situation at Ranjit Sagar Dam is also weaker compared to last year. The current water level is 514.57 meters, whereas on August 28 of the previous year, it was 525.65 meters. Current inflow into the dam is only 9,119 cusecs, compared to 81,962 cusecs last year.
Amidst changing weather patterns and uneven rainfall in the catchment areas of the Sutlej and Beas rivers, the persistent deficit in water inflow into the dams is viewed as a cause for future concern. Current data reveals that, compared to last year, not only are water levels lower across all three major dams, but there has also been a sharp decline in water inflow.
**Situation Could Raise Concerns**
Consequently, if the catchment areas do not receive adequate rainfall and snowfall in the coming months, there is a risk of increased pressure on water availability for drinking, irrigation, and other essential needs during the summer. Experts are now closely monitoring the remaining days of the monsoon and upcoming snowfall, as these factors will largely determine the future water availability scenario for the Sutlej-Beas river system.
