NHPC – Pulga Dam Water Release Alert Issued for Parbati River Areas
NHPC – The National Hydroelectric Power Corporation has issued a public safety advisory after reservoir levels at the Pulga Dam in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu district continued to rise. The dam is part of the 800 MW Parbati Hydroelectric Project Stage-II, and NHPC said increased inflows may require additional water to be released into the Parbati River.
Scheduled discharge from Pulga Dam
NHPC said nearly 60 cumecs of water would be released through the radial gates of Pulga Dam at 8:30 pm on July 7. The discharge will be in addition to the existing environmental flow of around 119 cumecs.
Following the planned release, the total flow entering the Parbati River is expected to reach about 179 cumecs. Officials said the move was necessary to manage the rising water level in the reservoir and maintain safe operating conditions at the project.
Further releases possible if inflows increase
The corporation stated that the volume of water released could rise further if inflows into the reservoir continue to increase. Any additional discharge through the radial gates may lead to a noticeable increase in the water level and flow speed of the Parbati River.
Residents and visitors in nearby areas have been advised to remain cautious, particularly during periods of rainfall or heavy inflow into the reservoir. NHPC said it would continue to assess the situation and take operational decisions based on reservoir conditions.
Public asked to avoid riverbanks
NHPC has appealed to local residents, tourists, workers and others to stay away from the Parbati River during the period of increased water discharge. People have been asked not to visit riverbanks, cross shallow stretches, or move close to the water in affected areas.
The advisory also covers travellers staying in hotels, guest houses, homestays and camps in the region. Owners and managers of such establishments have been asked to inform their guests about the warning and ensure that tourists do not venture near the river.
Taxi operators and local transport providers have also been requested to share the safety message with passengers travelling through the Parbati valley and nearby areas.
Sirens and public announcements planned
As part of the precautionary measures, NHPC said hooters and sirens would be sounded before the water release begins. Public announcement vehicles will also move through nearby locations to inform residents and visitors about the increased discharge.
The corporation said the warning has been issued in the public interest and sought cooperation from local communities, tourism operators and travellers. It added that following safety instructions can help prevent accidents near the river during high-flow conditions.
NHPC expands renewable energy presence in Rajasthan
Separately, NHPC’s 300 MW Karnisar Solar Power Plant in Bikaner, Rajasthan, was virtually inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 2. The project is expected to strengthen India’s renewable energy capacity and add to the country’s growing solar power infrastructure.
According to NHPC, the plant has been developed using around 7.75 lakh domestically manufactured solar photovoltaic cells and modules. The project supports the government’s Aatma Nirbhar Bharat initiative by promoting the use of locally produced equipment in renewable energy projects.
The Karnisar facility is expected to generate nearly 75 crore units of clean electricity every year. NHPC estimates that the project could help reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 6.4 lakh tonnes annually, contributing to India’s climate and clean energy goals.
The solar project has also created direct and indirect employment opportunities for more than 40 local people. NHPC said the development is expected to support livelihoods and economic activity in remote parts of Rajasthan while contributing to the country’s transition towards cleaner sources of power.