Sialkot authorities on alert as India opens spillway gates of dam on Chenab River

NAROWAL: Authorities on Thursday warned that the water level in the Chenab River could rise by more than three metres following the opening of spillway gates at India’s Salal Dam, raising concerns of possible silt flushing at the Marala Barrage.

Sialkot Deputy Commissioner Saba Asghar said an advisory had been issued regarding possible emergency silt flushing at the Salal Dam between May 21 and May 30.

In response to the expected rise in water levels, a high alert has been declared at the Marala Barrage and nearby areas, particularly Bajwat. Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary visits to rivers and canals and to take precautionary measures.

The district administration has activated the Emergency Control Room, while all relevant departments have been directed to monitor the Chenab River round the clock. Restrictions have also been imposed on the movement of people and animals along riverbanks and riverbeds.

Authorities were instructed to keep barrage gates, telemetry systems and flood safety arrangements fully operational, while maintaining continuous monitoring of canals and water flow.

The deputy commissioner also directed stronger coordination between the Provincial Disaster Management Authority, the Meteorological Department and district institutions, with instructions to immediately report any sudden increase in water levels or grey flow.

Last year, severe flooding in the Sutlej, Ravi and Chenab rivers triggered large-scale evacuations across Punjab after heavy rains and a barrage breach in India worsened the situation.