The water level in Rajasthan's Bisalpur Dam has reached its maximum capacity due to the monsoon rains. On Monday, the administration released 60,100 cusecs of water into the Banas River by opening six gates. Deputy CM Premchand Bairwa inspected the dam.
Tonk: The Bisalpur Dam, Rajasthan's most important source of drinking water and considered a lifeline for several districts including Jaipur, is currently at its peak water level. Due to continuous rainfall in the month of Sawan and a rapid influx of water from the catchment area, the dam administration took a major step on Monday, opening six gates simultaneously. A total of 60,100 cusecs of water was released into the Banas River through these gates.
Impact of Torrential Rain in Catchment Area
For the past few days, Tonk, Ajmer, Bhilwara, and surrounding districts have been experiencing heavy rainfall. This rainfall has had a direct impact on the water level of the Bisalpur Dam. According to administrative data, the dam has reached its maximum storage capacity of 315.50 RL meters. All the small and large reservoirs and ponds in the catchment area are filled to overflowing. This water is now rapidly entering the Bisalpur Dam. Considering the continuously increasing pressure, the dam administration decided to open gates number 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13 on Monday morning. Four of these gates (9, 10, 11, 12) were opened up to two meters each.
First Time in History So Many Gates Opened in July
The history of the Bisalpur Dam shows that usually, so many gates were opened at the end of the monsoon season, or in August-September. However, this time, for the first time, six gates have been opened simultaneously in the month of July. This sight has become a center of attraction for locals and tourists. People are arriving at the dam site in large numbers and are eager to see the rapid flow of water. However, the administration has repeatedly issued warnings that people should stay away from the riverbanks and not take any risks.
District Administration Issues Warning
As soon as the gates were opened, the Tonk district administration issued an alert in the villages in the lower areas. People living along the banks of the Banas River have been instructed to move to safer locations. Teams from the revenue department, police, and disaster management are continuously monitoring the situation to prevent any untoward incidents.
Deputy CM's Inspection
Rajasthan's Deputy CM Premchand Bairwa visited the Bisalpur Dam on Sunday evening. He received information from officials about the water level and safety measures. Bairwa said: "The Bisalpur Dam is extremely important for the people of the state. The water level is being continuously monitored, and all necessary steps are being taken from a safety perspective."
Relief for Jaipur and Surrounding Districts
The filling of the Bisalpur Dam and the surplus water is good news for districts like Jaipur, Ajmer, Tonk, and Nagaur. This dam supplies drinking water. Now, the possibility of a water crisis has almost ended for the next several months.
Tourists Thrilled
Since the opening of the dam gates, videos and pictures of it have been rapidly going viral on social media. People are arriving in large numbers to see the sight of the rapid flow of water. However, police forces are deployed at the site and are advising people to maintain a safe distance.
Monitoring the Situation Ahead
According to the weather department's forecast, the period of rain is likely to continue for the next few days. If the pressure of water from the catchment area increases in the same way, the administration may have to open more gates.
