RAMBAN, Jul 16 (Agencies): The Ramban district administration has issued a public advisory ahead of the scheduled opening of the gates of the Baglihar Hydroelectric Power Station reservoir at Chanderkote for periodic silt flushing.
According to the advisory issued by the Office of the District Magistrate, Ramban, the gates of the Baglihar Dam will be opened at 10:00 pm on July 16, 2026, to facilitate the routine silt flushing operation.
The administration has cautioned that the release of water is likely to cause a sudden rise in the water level and significantly increase the flow velocity of the River Chenab downstream of the dam, posing a potential threat to life and property.
Residents, visitors, fishermen, livestock owners, and people living along the Chenab riverbanks have been advised to stay away from the river and its tributaries during the operation. The advisory also urges the public to avoid bathing, swimming, fishing, rafting, or undertaking any activity in or near the river, and to refrain from crossing rivers, streams, and nallahs where water levels may rise unexpectedly.
People residing in low-lying areas have been advised to shift livestock, agricultural equipment, and other valuables to safer locations. The administration has also asked the public to strictly follow instructions issued by the District Administration, Police, SDRF, Revenue Department, and other concerned agencies, besides immediately reporting any emergency or unusual situation to the nearest government authority.
The District Magistrate has directed all field officers, Panchayati Raj Institutions, Urban Local Bodies, and other concerned departments to widely disseminate the advisory and maintain close vigil over vulnerable locations along the Chenab riverbanks to ensure public safety.
The administration has appealed to the public to cooperate fully by adhering to the advisory and avoiding unnecessary movement near the River Chenab during the silt flushing operation.