Chandigarh, September 21
Reservoir levels in Bhakra, Pong, and Ranjit Sagar have ended the filling season significantly below last year’s levels and their long‑term averages. This year’s weaker rainfall in the catchment areas, attributed to the El Niño effect, has limited inflows, though officials say no major water crisis is expected. Authorities have stressed the need for judicious use of water by Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan to ensure adequate supplies for irrigation and drinking in the coming months. Power generation may also see some reduction next summer.
At Bhakra, the water level stands at 1,643.92 feet, down 23.64 feet from last year’s 1,677.56 feet. Pong Dam is at 1,371.14 feet, lower by 18.86 feet compared to last year’s 1,390 feet. Ranjit Sagar Dam records 510.13 meters, a drop of 14.48 meters from last year’s 524.61 meters. In 2025, heavy rains and flooding had left reservoirs nearly full at the end of the season.
Earlier in June, the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) had asked partner states to increase withdrawals to create additional storage capacity for expected monsoon inflows. With weaker rainfall this year, BBMB is now urging states to reduce releases and use water more carefully.
Together, the three Himachal Pradesh reservoirs hold about 8,631 hm³ of water — 46.6% of their combined capacity — within normal operating range. Pong Dam is the fullest at 73.8%. In Punjab, Ranjit Sagar Dam holds roughly 1,120 hm³ of water.