Authorities at the Salal Power Station in Jyotipuram have issued a public advisory concerning the opening of the dam’s spillway gates for silt flushing, scheduled to commence on September 15, 2026, at 6 pm. This operation is expected to cause a rise and fluctuation in the water levels of the Chenab River, impacting areas both upstream and downstream of the Salal Dam.
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that the General Manager (Incharge) of the Salal Power Station released a public notice detailing the advisory. The process of flushing silt from the reservoir is a routine measure to maintain the dam’s operational efficiency and longevity. However, it necessitates a controlled increase in the river’s discharge, which poses potential risks to individuals and communities residing near the riverbanks.
Residents in villages upstream of the dam, including those in Dharan, Thanpal, Arnas, Sai, Lanjian, Narloo, Gari, and Salmot, have been alerted. Similarly, communities in downstream areas such as Gujjar Kothi, Siyad Baba, Bidda, Kachhi Khera, Talwara, Nambla, Vijaypur, Bara Dari, Patta, Kashi Patta, Jedhi, Panasa, Babber, Chumndian, Dera Baba Banda Bahadur, and Seri are advised to exercise vigilance. The advisory specifically warns against entering or going near the Chenab River during the operation, emphasizing the dangers associated with the movement of people, vehicles, and livestock in or around the water bodies.
The Salal Power Station management has urged the public to adhere to the cautionary measures and maintain a safe distance from the riverbanks to prevent any unfortunate incidents. The notice clearly states that any individual disregarding the advisory and entering the river area during the silt flushing period will do so at their own risk. The management will not be held responsible for any ensuing consequences.
To ensure widespread awareness and facilitate necessary actions, the advisory has been disseminated to various local authorities. This includes the Deputy Commissioner of Reasi, district police, the Irrigation and Flood Control Department, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Tehsildars, the Fisheries Department, the District Information Office, and all concerned police stations. The collaborative effort aims to safeguard the public and mitigate any potential risks associated with the operational procedure of the Salal Dam.
The Chenab Times News Desk