Pb flood situation is under control: Irrigation minister

The flood situation in the state is "under control" and all precautionary measures are being taken to tackle any untoward incident, Punjab government today said.
With officials concerned of the irrigation department being asked to keep a round-the-clock vigil along rivers and dams, Punjab Irrigation Minister Sharanjit Singh Dhillon said the leave of all the employees and officers of the department will remain cancelled till September 15.
Several areas in Punjab have been put on alert following the release of excess water by Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) from Bhakra and Pong reservoirs through flood gates.
Dhillon said the state government is keeping a constant tab on the flood situation in the state and as a precautionary measure all the Deputy Commissioners have been instructed to take necessary steps.

The minister informed that although there was no information of water level in the rivers overflowing the banks but people living near the rivers have been affected to some extent.
He said people have been told to remain alert and the department is also keeping close contact with the BBMB.

Reports from several areas including Kapurthala, Ropar and Tarn Taran said that a few areas were inundated as farmers complained of crop getting damaged due to release of "excessive" water.
Dhillon said due to the incessant rain in the neighbouring state of Himachal Pradesh the water level in rivers and dams of Punjab has increased.

The water level in the Bhakra dam today stood at 1,664.98 ft. Water inflow in the dam received was 76,402 cusecs whereas outflow was 53,049 cusecs.
Similarly water level in the Pong Dam as of now stands at 1,380.85 ft. The inflow was 41,256 cusecs while the release was 46,503 cusecs.
The level of water in the Ranjit Sagar Dam stood 524.50 ft. The incoming level of water is 35,233 cusecs while the release level is 19,707 cusecs.