Himachal Pradesh dam release and flash floods disrupt roads amid heavy monsoon

The National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) released an additional 60 cubic metres per second of water from the Pulga Dam of the Parbati-II project in Kullu district on July 7, raising total discharge in the Parbati River to about 179 cumecs. NHPC issued an advisory urging tourists, local residents and transport operators to stay away from riverbanks, with sirens and announcement vehicles deployed for warnings.

A cloudburst struck the high hills of Garsa Shilanala in Kullu district, causing the Garsa Khad to swell sharply and washing away one or two culverts. No casualties were reported, but authorities warned of a wet spell lasting until July 13 and deployed thousands of workers and heavy machinery to restore road connectivity and monitor vulnerable areas.

In Shimla district’s Rampur subdivision, flash floods damaged a temporary bridge over the Ganvi Khad, blocking roads to the twin panchayats of Kyao and Kut and leaving locals stranded. Heavy rains in the upper Samej Khad area caused submergence of roads at several points, prompting local efforts to clear stones and restore passage. These incidents are part of an unusually heavy monsoon season, with rainfall exceeding normal levels by up to 161 % in parts of Himachal Pradesh.