NHPC Sounds Fresh Alert as Parbati-II Dam to Release Water; Tourists, Locals Asked to Stay Away from Riverbanks
KULLU, JULY 13: The National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) has issued a fresh public safety alert for all downstream habitations along the Parbati River, warning residents, tourists and businesses to stay away from the riverbanks as water will be released from the Pulga Dam of the 800 MW Parbati-II Hydroelectric Project on Monday evening.
NHPC said that due to the continuous rise in the reservoir level and the possibility of heavy inflows, around 30 cumecs of water will be released through the dam's radial gates at 7:10 pm.
Combined with the existing environmental flow of 42 cumecs, the total discharge into the Parbati River will increase to 72 cumecs, leading to a sharp rise in the river's water level.
The corporation cautioned that if inflows continue to increase, additional water may be released, further raising the river level.
The advisory covers all downstream areas, including Pulga, Tulga, Barshaini, Manikaran, Kasol, Jari, Bhuntar and other settlements along the Parbati River.
NHPC has appealed to the general public, tourists, workers and adventure enthusiasts not to venture anywhere near the river during the release. It has also urged owners and managers of hotels, guest houses, homestays, camps and taxi operators to warn their guests and visitors against approaching the riverbanks.
As part of the safety measures, warning sirens will be sounded and public announcement vehicles will be deployed in vulnerable areas to alert people about the rising water levels.
The warning comes at a time when the Parbati Valley is witnessing a large influx of tourists during the monsoon season.
Authorities have advised everyone to strictly follow the safety advisory and avoid unnecessary movement near the river until further notice.
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