SRINAGAR: The District Administration Reasi has issued a public advisory warning residents to stay away from the banks of the River Chenab as reservoir silt flushing operations at the Salal and Baglihar hydroelectric projects are set to trigger a significant rise in the river’s water level over the coming days.
According to the advisory issued by the Office of the District Magistrate, Reasi, the spillway gates of the Salal Dam at Jyotipuram will remain open from 9 am on July 17 to July 26 to facilitate reservoir silt flushing. The administration said the schedule was communicated by the General Manager (Technical), Salal Power Station.
The advisory further stated that the Baglihar Dam in Ramban will also undertake drawdown flushing, with the process scheduled to begin at around 10 pm on July 16, as informed by the Deputy General Manager (Civil), JKSPDC.
The district administration warned that the flushing operations could lead to a sudden and substantial increase in the water level of the Chenab, posing a risk to people living or moving near the river.
The advisory covers several villages located upstream and downstream of the Salal Dam. These include Dharan, Thanpal, Amas, Sai Lanjan, Narloo, Gari and Salmot upstream, and Gujjar Kohli, Sadh Baba, Bidda, Kachi Khera, Talwara, Nambla, Vijaypur, Bara Dari, Patta, Kansi Patta, Jedhi, Danessa, Badder, Chumbian, Dera Baba Banda Bahadur and Seri downstream.
In view of the potential danger, the administration has prohibited the movement of the public, vehicles, rafting activities and cattle along the riverbanks from 10 pm on July 16 until July 26.
Residents have been advised not to venture near the Chenab during the flushing period to avoid any mishap.
The administration has directed officials of the Revenue Department, Police, SDRF and Rural Development Department to work in close coordination, continuously monitor the situation along the riverbanks and ensure strict enforcement of safety measures.
Field functionaries, including Lambardars, Chowkidars and GRS/VLWs, have also been asked to spread awareness among local residents and prevent the movement of people, livestock and vehicles along vulnerable stretches of the river during the operation.
The advisory has been issued as a precautionary measure to ensure public safety during the annual reservoir silt flushing exercise at the two hydroelectric projects.
