Key Facts
Residents of Chohar Valley in Mandi district will now receive flood alerts 45 minutes in advance, thanks to a modern early warning system installed under the Shanan Project in Barot. The system monitors water levels in the Lambadag and Uhl rivers and triggers an alarm at the control room when levels rise suddenly.
Details of the Early Warning System
The system has been set up near Gadsa Bridge in Bada Gaon, approximately 20 km from the Shanan Project reservoir on the banks of the Uhl River. Similar sensors will be installed at Loharadi to monitor the Lambadag river. The entire project costs over ₹1 crore.
Historical Context and Impact
The 110 MW Shanan Project, established in 1928, had not previously used such advanced technology. During monsoon, sudden rises in water levels often create flood-like conditions in Barot Valley. In 2024, a penstock pipe burst at the Lambadag project caused massive destruction in Multhan Bazaar, damaging around 75 shops and washing away 600 kanal of agricultural land. Debris and boulders reached residential areas, destroying crops and creating fear among locals.
Now, both old and new reservoirs of the Shanan Project will be monitored via satellite. When the control room receives an alert, hooters from Bada Gaon to Tikkan will activate, warning riverside residents in time.
What Readers Should Know
- The early warning system provides a 45-minute lead time for evacuation.
- It covers the Uhl and Lambadag rivers in Chohar Valley.
- Satellite monitoring of reservoirs enhances overall safety.
- The system aims to reduce loss of life and property during floods.
Official Statement
Superintending Engineer of Shanan Project, Bhupendra Singh, said, “The early warning system will help assess flood and natural disaster risk in time, reducing loss of life and property.”
FAQ
How much advance warning will the new system provide?
The early warning system will alert authorities 45 minutes before a potential flood in Chohar Valley.
Where is the early warning system installed?
The system is installed near Gadsa Bridge in Bada Gaon on the banks of the Uhl River, about 20 km from the Shanan Project reservoir in Barot.
What triggered the installation of this system?
The 2024 Lambadag pipeline burst caused massive destruction in Multhan Bazaar, damaging 75 shops and washing away 600 kanal of farmland, highlighting the need for advanced warning.
Source: www.amarujala.com