2,000 Cusecs of Water to Be Released From Pandoh Dam, Mandi; Tourists Kept Away From Riverbanks

June 27, 2026

Mandi: Amid continuous heavy rainfall across Himachal Pradesh, the Mandi district administration has issued a public safety advisory after announcing the release of an additional 2,000 cusecs of water from the Pandoh Dam. Authorities have urged residents and tourists to stay away from the Beas River and its banks, warning that the total water flow of the Beas River in the downstream area is approximately 6,000 cusecs.

Heavy Rainfall Leads to Controlled Water Release

According to the district administration, the decision to release additional water has been taken due to increased inflow into the Pandoh Dam following persistent rainfall in the upper catchment areas of the Beas River. Dam authorities periodically release excess water to regulate reservoir levels and ensure the structural safety of the dam during the monsoon season.

With the fresh release of 2,000 cusecs, the total water flow in the downstream stretch of the Beas River is expected to reach approximately 6,000 cusecs, significantly increasing the river’s current and water level.

Tourists Asked to Stay Away From Riverbanks

The administration has appealed to both local residents and tourists to maintain a safe distance from the Beas River and its banks.

Officials noted that during the peak tourist season, many visitors often venture dangerously close to the river to click photographs, shoot videos, or create social media content. However, sudden releases of water from upstream can cause the river level to rise rapidly within minutes, leaving little or no time for people near the banks to move to safety.

Authorities have advised people to avoid unnecessary movement along the riverbanks and to strictly follow instructions issued by the district administration, police and disaster management teams.

Remembering the 2014 Beas River Tragedy

The administration has also reminded the public of the tragic accident that occurred near Thalout in Mandi district on June 8, 2014.

On that day, 24 engineering students from Hyderabad, along with a tour coordinator, were visiting the Beas River when water was released from the Pandoh Dam. The river’s water level rose suddenly, and the powerful current swept away all 24 students and their tour coordinator, resulting in their deaths.

The incident remains one of the worst river-related tragedies in Himachal Pradesh and led to stricter safety protocols, improved warning systems and greater emphasis on issuing timely public alerts whenever water is released from the dam.

Administration: Prioritise Safety Above All

Reiterating its appeal, the district administration has urged people to place safety above everything else during the ongoing monsoon season.

Citizens and tourists have been advised not to visit the riverbanks to take selfies, record reels or engage in any activity that could put their lives at risk. Officials have also urged the public to rely only on verified information and follow official advisories issued by the administration instead of believing rumours or unverified social media posts.

The administration has said that all necessary precautions are being taken to monitor the river’s flow and ensure public safety. Residents living near the Beas River have also been advised to remain alert until water levels return to normal.