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Expressing apprehensions over the downslide in the water levels of catchment areas, the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) held a review meeting at its headquarters here on Thursday. BBMB observed that water levels in the Bhakra-Nangal dam have gone down and stressed on the need to assess the extent of the odd consequences posed by these trends. Addressing the mediapersons, Chairman of BBMB A.B.Agrawal said that there is a need to review the current situation in Rajasthan, Punjab and Haryana and, if possible, reduce the discharge from the reservoirs. “During our regular Technical Committee Meeting (TCM), we came to know that the water levels are decreasing and there is delay in monsoon as per the predictions. We had decided to schedule a meeting to review the situation so that all the three states - Rajasthan, Punjab and Haryana and see whether it is possible to cut water supply,” Agarwal said. He noted that the present situation is satisfactory, but the approaching critical levels might be dangerous in the future. “We can provide sufficient amount of water for this year but the main question is to plan about the future. According to our plans, the filling period of the Bhakra reservoir starts from 21st May and in Beas it starts from 21st June. So, from this period the level of water should rise. But unfortunately, water level at Bhakra continues to decrease and it has started to rise few days back,” Agrawal explained. He also highlighted that the planned water supply might be reduced if the monsoon is further delayed. “We will wait for another five to seven days and hold a review meeting after 10 days. If the rain further gets delayed, then we will review the water supply to all the three states and if necessary we will reduce and control the water supply,” Agrawal stated. Of the 21 reservoirs in northern and eastern India whose levels are monitored by Central Water Commission (CWC), 20 have below 40 percent of their live capacities, while one holds less than half, CWC data showed.

Decline in water levels of Bhakra dam alarms authorities