Public warned to stay away from Chenab as Dulhasti dam to undergo silt flushing

Ramban, Jun 27: Authorities have issued a public advisory urging residents to stay away from the Chenab river due to a planned silt flushing operation at the Dulhasti power station dam reservoir in Kishtwar.

According to official sources, the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) will carry out the statutory de-silting operation from midnight Friday -12:00 a.m. on June 28 to 5 p.m. Saturday. The operation is expected to cause a sudden rise in the water level of the Chenab River.

The Ramban district administration has advised the public to avoid activities such as swimming, bathing, fishing, sand extraction, or walking along the riverbanks during the 17-hour operation. People living along the river have been strictly cautioned to keep a safe distance, and livestock owners are advised to ensure their animals are kept away from the water.

District Magistrate Kishtwar Pankaj Kumar Sharma granted permission for the operation through order No. DMK/PER/2025-26/591-96.

The dam gates will be opened from 12 a.m. to 5 p.m. on June 28. The district administration has urged the public to remain alert and prioritize safety.