Flood alert sounded in Punjab as Bhakra Dam reservoir is only 5 feet below its upper mark
Posted: 18 Aug 2019 09:13 AM PDTCHANDIGARH, Punjab—Amid heavy rain in the North India region, the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) is expected to release more than usual quantity of water from the Bhakra Dam reservoir. It is learnt that the water level in Bhakra was only five feet below its maximum capacity today.The Punjab administration has sounded an alert to the residents of villages situated near Sultej river and its related canals in Jalandhar and Ferozepur.
Media reports reveal that the administration has evacuated dozens of villages as a precautionary measure. 
The water level recorded at Bhakra was 1,675 feet today against the permissible level of 1,680 feet. Inflow into the Bhakra reservoir was 60,000 cusecs, while the outflow 53,000 cusecs. The dam’s sluice gates were opened yesterday and will remain so till Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) officials assess that water would not rise above the upper mark.
BBMB officials said discharge up to 50,000 cusecs does not cause flooding downstream in areas along the Sutlej, but safety measures necessitated if more water is released. Though the reservoir is not full, water is being released to cater to the expected heavier inflows over the next few days.
Latest updates reveal that around 12 villages situated near Sri Anandpur Sahib and Ropar have been inundated with the water released from the Bhakra Dam reservoir.