KL Report
SRINAGAR
DC Ramban, Farooq Shah Bukhari has stated that given the massive rains lashing Chenab valley, the gates of NHPC owned Dul Hasti dam are being opened, as a result there will be increase in water level.
Bukhari has ordered that keeping in view these circumstances, the movement of people, vehicles and animals along the banks of river Chenab shall be restricted for two days starting September 6.
The mightiest river of J&K, Chenab is roaring with massive increase in its discharge. Finance Minister Abdul Rahim Rather on Thursday said Chenab was flowing at 38 ft at Akhnoor which is four ft above the danger mark cumulatively discharging 2.75 lakh cusecs, a quantum of discharge which equals all other rivers of the state.
With the Dulhasti dam gates opening, the water level in the Baglihar dam that state owned Power Development Corporation owns, will have an increase in its storage.
“We have not been informed by the NHPC, so far,” Meraj A Kakoroo, MD SPDC said. “But we have safety mechanisms in place and if there is more discharge into the river, we will accordingly release that much.” He said they will coordinate with the NHPC and if need arises, “we will close down the operations for a day or two to manage incident free passage of excess water.”
Release of water by NHPC dam is expected to increase the levels of the Chenab massively between Kishtwar and Ramban. Surged level can lead to submergence of the highway. But given the raining and the increase in discharge, neither NHPC nor PDC can withhold water any more, experts said.
