Ramban, Jul 31: Following heavy rains in the higher reaches of Chenab Valley for the past few days and due to the rise in water level in River Chenab, all the spillway gates of Baglihar Hydro Electric Project (BHEP) have been opened for discharging excessive water stored in the Baglihar Dam in Ramban district, officials said on Thursday.
In a communiqué, Executive Engineer, Mechanical Division, BHEP, Chanderkote, J&K State Power Development Corporation Ltd informed the District Magistrate Office Ramban that spillway gates of BHEP were opened on Thursday at 10 am, which caused an increase in water level of the River Chenab on the downstream side.
Following the communiqué, Additional District Magistrate Ramban issued an advisory for the people stating therein that it was felt expedient to restrict the movement of people, vehicles, rafts, and cattle alongside river banks during this period to prevent any untoward incident.
“Due to current circumstances, the people have been advised to restrict movement near the bank of the River Chenab for safety reasons,” the advisory said.
It said that people were asked to exercise caution and follow guidelines to ensure their well-being.
All the concerned Revenue, Police officers, SDRF officers and officers of the Rural Development Department have been asked to coordinate with each other and jointly monitor the situation along the Chenab River banks.
People have been informed through Lamberdars, Chowkidars, GRS, and VLWs to avoid movement of people, cattle, rafts, and vehicles along the river banks to prevent any mishap, the advisory issued by the Additional District Magistrate Ramban reads.
Officials of NHPC said that due to heavy rains for the past few days, the water level in the River Chenab has increased, and all the spillways of the Baglihar Dam have been opened as a precaution for discharging excessive water.
