Chandigarh: The monsoon season in Punjab comes to an official end today, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting light rainfall in several parts of the state. The anticipated showers are expected to bring a brief respite from the persistent humidity, as temperatures dip slightly across the region.
According to IMD data, Bathinda recorded the state’s highest temperature on Friday at 36.9°C, while Pathankot saw the lowest at 30°C. Weather officials say sporadic light showers and occasional thundershowers may continue through the day, particularly in central and northern districts, before the monsoon system fully withdraws from the state.
Bhakra Dam Releases Water Amid Rising Levels
In view of rising inflows, authorities at the Bhakra Dam have released 40,000 cusecs of water as a precautionary measure. On Friday, the water level at the reservoir touched 1677.68 feet—just 2.32 feet below the warning threshold of 1680 feet. All four floodgates were opened by one foot each to ease pressure on the dam, which continues to receive high volumes of inflow at 56,334 cusecs.
Discharge from the Bhakra system is being managed through turbines and the opening of floodgates. Additionally, the Nangal Dam has diverted 9,000 cusecs each into the Nangal Hydel Canal and the Anandpur Hydel Canal. The Sutlej River, which receives much of the overflow, is currently flowing at 27,000 cusecs.
Rising Sutlej River Sparks Fresh Concerns
The rising water level of the Sutlej has again put low-lying areas on alert. In the Mandala Chhanna region, increased water pressure has breached protective embankments along the Dhussi Dam. The erosion of retaining structures led to the collapse of at least four nearby homes, escalating fears of further damage if rainfall intensifies.
Authorities are closely monitoring vulnerable stretches of the riverbank, while emergency teams remain on standby in flood-prone zones.
IMD Issues Advisory as Monsoon Withdraws
The weather department has confirmed that the southwest monsoon will officially retreat from Punjab by end of day today. However, its final passage over the state could still bring scattered rainfall over the next 24 hours. Residents in areas prone to waterlogging or near rivers have been advised to stay alert.
Meteorologists emphasized that while the end of the monsoon typically signals a transition to drier conditions, residual systems can still trigger isolated rain spells in the immediate aftermath.
As Punjab enters the post-monsoon period, authorities are shifting focus to managing water levels in reservoirs and rivers, and preparing for the upcoming Rabi sowing season, which relies heavily on stored water from the monsoon months.
