Bhakra Dam Reaches Full Capacity Ahead of Monsoon; BBMB Urges States to Draw More Water

June 10, 2026

There is some time left for the monsoon to arrive in Punjab. This time, there has been no dispute over water in Punjab and Haryana. But before this, BBMB became concerned because the water level in Bhakra has increased. In such a situation, BBMB has expressed concern about it.

At the same time, all stakeholder states have been asked to take water. The water level in Bhakra has currently reached 1578 feet. The heat is very intense. If the water level remains like this, a flood situation may arise in the coming time. Punjab has sent its demand from its side.

Now know this whole matter in 3 points

1. BBMB has advised that the paddy season is ongoing. In this situation, Punjab and Haryana should use their quota of water. The water level of the Bhakra dam has currently reached 1,578.07 feet, which is about 21.47 feet higher compared to last year. 2. To manage the heavy rainfall of the upcoming monsoon and the water from melting snow in the mountains, it is necessary to create empty space in the reservoir (Gobind Sagar Lake).

3. Since the water level in the dam is already high, if water suddenly increases during the monsoon, there could be a risk of flooding in the lower areas. Releasing water is a wise measure to prevent this.

This is how states get water
BBMB determines the annual quota (according to the financial year) every year based on the monsoon conditions and the inflow of water in the dams. According to records of normal or recent years (like the current cycle), the annual water allocation for the main states for the entire year is as follows in million acre-feet (MAF).

According to this calculation, Punjab received 5.512 MAF of water. Similarly, Haryana receives 2.987 MAF and Rajasthan receives 3.318 MAF of water. The distribution of water starts from May 21 and continues until May 20 of the next year.

There was a flood last year after 1987

Last year, in 1987, there was a flood in Punjab. The state government declared a disaster in 23 districts. During this time, from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the agriculture minister, there were visits to Punjab, and a package was announced. After this, there was a dispute between the central and Punjab governments.