The National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) on Saturday released additional water from the Pulga Dam of the 800 MW Parbati-II Hydroelectric Power Station in the Sainj valley of Kullu district. The decision came after a continuous rise in the reservoir level and the likelihood of heavy inflows.
Details of the Water Release
According to a public advisory issued by the NHPC, around 30 cumecs (cubic metre per second) of additional water was released through the dam’s radial gates into the Parbati river starting at 4 pm. With this release, the total discharge into the river, including the existing environmental flow (e-flow) and the radial gate discharge, increased from around 330 cumecs to 360 cumecs.
Potential for Further Releases
The NHPC cautioned that if water inflows into the reservoir continued to rise, additional releases may become necessary in the evening, resulting in a further increase in the water level of the Parbati. In view of the expected rise, the NHPC appealed to the general public, tourists, workers, and local residents to maintain a safe distance from riverbanks and avoid going near the river during this period.
Safety Measures and Advisories
The NHPC also requested hotel owners, guesthouse operators, homestays, campsite managers, and taxi drivers to caution visitors and travellers about the potential danger and advise them to stay away from riverbanks. Warning hooters and sirens would be sounded before and during the water release. Additionally, public announcement vehicles would be deployed in nearby areas to alert residents and visitors about the increased discharge and associated risks.
Public Cooperation Urged
The NHPC urged everyone to cooperate with the authorities and strictly follow the safety advisory in the interest of public safety. It issued an advisory urging the public not to go near the Parbati during the period of increased water release. Tourists and local residents had been advised to stay away from riverbanks and follow all instructions issued by the authorities concerned and avoid unnecessary movement near the river.
Precautionary Measure
The NHPC stated that the advisory had been issued as a precautionary measure to ensure public safety amid the anticipated increase in river discharge.
