Kashmir Impulse Desk

Ramban, July 19

Authorities on Sunday opened all spillway gates of the Salal Hydroelectric Project on the Chenab River following a sharp rise in reservoir inflows caused by heavy monsoon rain, prompting flood warnings for communities living downstream.

The controlled release of water was initiated to maintain reservoir levels within safe operating limits after continuous rainfall across the upper catchment areas of Kishtwar, Doda and Ramban districts significantly increased inflows into the Chenab river system, officials said.

The opening of the spillway gates led to a rapid increase in downstream discharge, with district administrations and project authorities issuing high-alert advisories for residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas along the river. People were urged to stay away from riverbanks, avoid crossing streams and suspend activities such as fishing and bathing until water levels recede.

Emergency response teams and local authorities were monitoring river levels as heavy rain continued across the Chenab Valley. Officials said earlier reservoir management operations had also required the opening of spillway gates at the Dul Hasti and Baglihar hydroelectric projects, with warnings issued to downstream residents.

Authorities appealed to the public to rely only on official advisories and avoid spreading rumours, saying dam operations would continue to be reviewed in line with rainfall intensity and inflows into the reservoirs.