NHPC increases water release from Parbati-II Dam; public asked to stay away from river
Old photo, Source: Internet
Shimla, July 16
Amid increasing monsoon activity in Himachal Pradesh, NHPC on Thursday evening issued a fresh public advisory announcing a further increase in water discharge from the Pulga Dam of the 800 MW Parbati-II Hydroelectric Power Station in Kullu district, urging residents and tourists to stay away from the Parbati River.
According to NHPC, owing to the continuous rise in the reservoir level and the anticipation of heavy inflows, an additional 30 cumecs of water will be released through the radial gates of the Pulga Dam from 8:10 pm on Thursday. With the environmental flow and radial gate discharge combined, the total discharge into the Parbati River will increase to around 140 cumecs. The power utility said that if inflows continue to rise, more water may be released from the dam, resulting in a further increase in the river’s water level.
The latest advisory comes hours after NHPC had announced an earlier controlled release from the dam, reflecting the rapidly changing reservoir conditions due to the ongoing monsoon.
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NHPC increases water release from Parbati-II Dam; public asked to stay away from river
NHPC has appealed to local residents, tourists, workers and visitors not to venture near the Parbati River during this period and to maintain a safe distance from its banks. Owners and managers of hotels, guest houses, homestays, camps and taxi operators have also been requested to caution tourists against approaching the river.
The corporation said hooters and sirens would be sounded before the release of water, while public announcement vehicles would be deployed in nearby areas to alert people. It sought public cooperation in ensuring safety.
The advisory comes as Himachal Pradesh remains on alert for an intensification of monsoon activity. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that rainfall is likely to increase over the state from July 17, with heavy rain expected at isolated places on July 18 and heavy to very heavy rainfall forecast at isolated locations between July 19 and 22.
The weather office has cautioned that the expected rain could trigger landslides, flash floods, waterlogging and disruption of road connectivity, advising people to avoid vulnerable areas and follow official advisories.
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