The inflow in the Bhakra Dam reservoir has dipped to 21,954 cusecs, the lowest ever. This, coupled with the increased water outflow owing to the paddy season, has set the alarm bells ringing in Punjab and Haryana.

With the water level at 1,494 feet, 70 feet lower than June 26 last year, sources said the gap was unlikely to be bridged even if the monsoon was good. The dam can be filled up to 1,683 feet. In case it is not filled to the optimum level, it could spell doom for the farmers.

SK Sharma, member, irrigation, BBMB, said they were depending on a good monsoon.  The water level is falling about 2 feet daily. If it slips to 1,464 feet, power generation could be hit. Sources attributed the low inflow to receding glaciers and poor melting of snow.