NHPC warns of sudden rise in Parbati river as Pulga dam releases more water for silt flushing
Photo used for indicative purpose only. Source: Internet
Shimla, July 11
Amid the ongoing monsoon and rising concerns over sudden surges in river levels across Himachal Pradesh, NHPC has issued a public advisory warning people to stay away from the Parbati River as additional water is being released from the Pulga Dam of the 800 MW Parbati-II Hydroelectric Power Station in Kullu district.
According to NHPC, silt flushing operations at the Pulga Dam began at 8 am on Saturday. Owing to the continuous rise in the reservoir level and the expectation of heavy inflows, around 50 cumecs of additional water has been released through the dam’s radial gates. With the existing environmental flow of about 175 cumecs, the total discharge into the Parbati River has increased to nearly 225 cumecs.
NHPC cautioned that if inflows continue to rise, more water may have to be released, leading to a further increase in the river’s water level. The power utility warned that the river could witness a sudden surge even in the absence of heavy rainfall or cloudburst in the immediate catchment area.
The advisory assumes significance as Himachal Pradesh has witnessed several incidents this monsoon in which people were caught unaware by rapidly rising river levels downstream of dams and hydropower projects. Besides heavy rainfall and flash floods, seasonal silt flushing and reservoir management operations at hydroelectric projects also contribute to sudden increases in water discharge.
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NHPC has appealed to local residents, tourists, workers and others to avoid venturing near the Parbati River and maintain a safe distance from its banks. Hotel owners, guest house operators, homestay owners, camp managers and taxi operators have also been requested to caution visitors against approaching the river.
The corporation said hooters and sirens would be sounded before water releases, while public announcement vehicles would be deployed in nearby areas to alert people. It urged the public to cooperate with the safety measures in the larger public interest.
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