Water levels at the Bhakra Dam reservoir have risen well above both historical averages and last year's figures, despite lower inflows and reduced water releases, according to official data released Thursday.

The water level at the Bhakra reservoir stood at 1,576.22 feet, approximately 22 feet higher than the level recorded on the same date last year and nearly 30 feet above the long-term average.

Data showed the reservoir's water level was 1,554.84 feet on the corresponding day in 2025, while the average level for this time of year is 1,546.18 feet.

Officials noted that inflows into the reservoir were lower than a year ago. Water inflow was recorded at 19,074 cusecs on Thursday, compared with 28,170 cusecs on the same day last year.

Water releases from the dam were also below average. A total of 23,150 cusecs was released from Bhakra, compared with the average discharge of 26,322 cusecs.

According to officials, 12,350 cusecs is being diverted into the Nangal Hydel Channel, while 10,150 cusecs is flowing into the Sri Anandpur Sahib Hydel Channel. An additional 600 cusecs is being released into the Sutlej River.

The Bhakra reservoir is normally maintained at a maximum level of 1,680 feet, although authorities can raise it to 1,685 feet if required. The reservoir, known as Gobind Sagar, spans approximately 65 square miles and has a storage capacity of 7.8 million acre-feet of water.