Bhakra Reservoir Faces Unusual Water Shortage
The Bhakra Dam, one of North India’s most important sources of irrigation, drinking water, and hydroelectric power, is witnessing significantly lower water inflows during the peak summer season. Fresh data indicates that the reservoir is receiving nearly 50 percent less water than the long-term average, creating concerns for Punjab, Haryana, and other dependent regions.
The reduced inflow comes at a crucial time when agricultural demand is increasing due to the ongoing paddy cultivation season. Experts believe that changing weather patterns in the Himalayan region are largely responsible for the decline in water availability.
Water Inflows Far Below Normal Levels
According to the latest figures, Bhakra Dam recorded an inflow of approximately 16,527 cusecs of water on June 11, compared to the normal average of 32,706 cusecs for this period. The situation is also weaker than last year, when inflows stood at around 28,015 cusecs on the same date.
Between May 21 and June 11, the total water inflow into the reservoir was substantially lower than normal. The dam received only about 0.74 billion cubic meters (BCM) of water against the usual average of 1.45 BCM. Such a large deficit highlights the seriousness of the current water situation.
Low Snowfall and Western Disturbances Behind the Decline
Water resource specialists attribute the reduced inflows to below-normal snowfall in the Sutlej catchment area and the continuous influence of western disturbances over the Himalayan region. Snow accumulation in the catchment reportedly remained well below average this year.
Frequent western disturbances have kept temperatures lower than usual in higher-altitude regions. As a result, snow has been melting more slowly than expected. Since the Sutlej River receives much of its summer flow from melting snow and glaciers, delayed melting has directly impacted water availability at Bhakra Dam.
Experts note that temperatures in the upper Himalayan regions have remained near 4°C, whereas temperatures between 6°C and 8°C are generally required for rapid snowmelt.
Relief Expected After June 21
Meteorological forecasts suggest that the influence of western disturbances may continue for a few more days. However, temperatures are expected to rise after June 21, which could accelerate snowmelt and improve water flow into the Sutlej River system.
If warmer conditions develop as expected, Bhakra Dam could begin receiving higher inflows, helping ease pressure on irrigation and drinking water supplies across the region.
Water Level Remains Higher Than Last Year
Despite lower inflows, the reservoir’s water level remains relatively healthy. On June 11, the water level stood at 1,576.65 feet, which is higher than both last year’s level and the long-term average for the same date.
However, the challenge lies in the fact that water withdrawals for irrigation currently exceed incoming water. As paddy transplantation gains momentum in Punjab and Haryana, irrigation demand is expected to remain high in the coming weeks.
Other Reservoirs Also Affected
The impact is not limited to Bhakra Dam. Other major reservoirs in the region, including Pandoh, Ranjit Sagar, and Pong dams, have also reported lower-than-normal inflows. Water experts believe the next two weeks will be critical for determining how quickly reservoir conditions improve.
If temperatures rise and snowmelt accelerates, the region could see a significant improvement in reservoir storage levels, benefiting agriculture, power generation, and drinking water supplies.
