Nangal, Sept 1 — Panic gripped Bhakra Dam authorities late Sunday after water from adjoining hills entered the left bank powerhouse during heavy rainfall, even as landslides blocked multiple roads leading to the facility.
According to officials, seepage into the powerhouse galleries was detected by on-duty staff, who immediately began pumping operations to prevent damage. “Timely intervention by the staff prevented any significant damage. Heavy pumps were deployed to drain the water, and power generation has not been disrupted,” said BBMB Chief Engineer (Power) Jagjit Singh.
Singh confirmed that both the right and left bank powerhouse roads have been blocked due to landslides triggered by torrential rain, leaving some staff stranded inside while others were unable to reach their duty stations. Efforts are underway to clear the routes.
Sources added that the Nangal–Bhakra Dam road has also been blocked at several points following continuous rain since Sunday night. In response, Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) has deployed heavy machinery to restore road access and ensure uninterrupted operations at the dam complex.
