(a) whether the Bhakra and Pong dams are not filled upto Full Reservoir Level (FRL) by the Government and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the dams can be filled upto FRL using latest technology, proper planning and weather forecasting and if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government proposes to give directions to BBMB for conducting a study to fix the maximum level of water to be filled in Bhakra and Pong dams; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT AND GANGA REJUVENATION & PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS
(SHRI ARJUN RAM MEGHWAL)
(a) & (b) The Bhakra and Pong Reservoirs are filled up to Full Reservoir Level (FRL) based on actual availability/inflows of water. However, after the devastating floods during the year 1988, Government of India in March 1989 constituted a Committee to report on the problems relating to the operation & maintenance of Bhakra-Nangal and Beas Projects. The said Committee issued some guidelines for filling of Bhakra & Pong Reservoirs. In accordance with these guidelines, the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) in the year 1990 decided that maximum level at Bhakra and Pong reservoirs should be kept 5 feet and 10 feet below the designated FRL to provide for cushion for possible floods. The operation of both the reservoirs is being done after discussing/ deliberating the same in the Technical Committee meeting(s) of BBMB which is represented by Chief Engineers of Irrigation Wing of partner States and State Power utilities.
BBMB has developed Real Time Decision Support system (RTDSS) for efficient operation of reservoirs on river Satluj (Bhakra Dam) and river Beas (Pong Dam). BBMB has already installed Water Level Recording Stations in the catchment area of Satluj and Beas rivers.
(c) & (d) No proposal is under consideration at present in Govt. of India to give directions to BBMB for conducting a study to fix the maximum level of water to be filled in Bhakra and Pong dams.
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