Water to be released from Larji dam, alert for flashfloods in Mandi

Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited (HPSEBL) issued a public advisory warning of a significant increase in the water level of the Beas in Mandi district due to the planned release of around 200 cumecs (cubic metres per second) from the dam of the Larji Hydropower Project in Kullu today.

The discharge was necessitated by rising reservoir levels due to increasing inflow. Officials said that the volume of water released may go up if the inflow into the dam continued to rise. This could lead to a substantial increase in the Beas water level downstream.

The HPSEBL advised local residents, tourists, workers and fishermen to maintain a safe distance from riverbanks. Due to the sudden release of water, there was potential risk of flashfloods in the Beas and strong river currents, especially in the low-lying areas of Mandi district.

Besides, the owners and managers of hotels, guesthouses, homestays, camps and taxi services had been requested to inform and warn tourists at the time of check in or during their travel to avoid going near the river for photography, bathing or other recreational activities.

As the monsoonal rain is already contributing to fluctuating river levels, controlled discharge from dams becomes essential for hydropower regulation and safety. However, such releases posed significant hazards if precautions were not taken.

Himachal Tribune