More water to be released from Bhakra Nangal

Ludhiana, July 2 (ANI): Authorities at the Bhakra Nangal dam have assured that they would release an extra 6,000 cusecs of water for irrigation to paddy farmers in Punjab and Haryana.

The Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), that manages the dam located in Himachal Pradesh, said that 28,000 cusecs of water would be released from the dam.

"With the extra release of water the paddy crops will get relief because paddy needs standing water. Over 50 percent of the paddy crops were deprived of water but the situation will be comfortable for the farmers. I can say that with the extra release of water the farmers will get relief," said M.K Gupta, member, BBMB.

"The situation would be reviewed on a day-to-day basis," he added.

Farmers in Ludhiana said that as Bhakra Nangal dam will release more water their major problem would be solved. Secondly the rain god has finally been grateful to them and their problem has been resolved.

BBMB said the water level at the Gobind Sagar reservoir is expected to rise by around 3-3.5 feet everyday and touch 1,600 feet by August.

The BBMB had few days back decided to cut supply to 22,000 cusecs against the current supply of 28,000 cusecs due to the delayed monsoon and to maintain the water level in the Bhakra reservoir.

India's monsoon, crucial for sowing of crops like paddy, oilseeds, sugarcane, cotton and pulses has covered almost all of India as per data from the Meteorological Department (IMD).

Only parts of Rajasthan, Punjab and Haryana were yet to receive monsoon rains. (ANI)