Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, July 15

Authorities in Ramban district have issued a public safety advisory ahead of a scheduled silt flushing operation at the Baglihar Hydroelectric Power Station, warning residents to stay away from the River Chenab as water levels are expected to rise sharply downstream.

The district administration said the gates of the Baglihar dam at Chanderkote would be opened at 10 pm on Thursday to carry out the routine maintenance exercise.

Officials warned that the operation would significantly increase both the volume and velocity of water flowing downstream, posing risks to people, livestock and property along the riverbanks.

Residents, visitors, fishermen and livestock owners have been advised to avoid the Chenab and its tributaries during the operation and refrain from activities such as bathing, swimming, fishing and rafting.

The administration also cautioned against crossing rivers, streams and seasonal channels where water levels could rise suddenly.

People living in vulnerable low-lying areas have been asked to move livestock, agricultural equipment and other valuables to safer locations as a precaution.

The advisory urged the public to follow directions issued by the district administration, police, State Disaster Response Force and other agencies, and to report any emergency immediately.

District authorities said field officials and local bodies had been instructed to maintain close surveillance along vulnerable stretches of the Chenab and ensure that the advisory reached affected communities before the flushing operation begins.