PONG DAM

Current Context : The water level at Pong Dam (Beas Dam) in Himachal Pradesh has recently breached the danger mark.

ABOUT PONG DAM

• Location: Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh (Shivalik Hills).
• River: Built on the Beas River.
• Type: Earth-fill embankment dam.
• Construction: 1961–1974; tallest of its type in India at the time.
• Reservoir: Created Maharana Pratap Sagar Lake.
• Ecological Significance:
  • Declared a bird sanctuary in 1983.
  • Designated a Ramsar Site in 2002.
  • Habitat for migratory birds such as Bar-headed Geese, Red-necked Grebe, Black Stork, Northern Lapwing, Spot-billed Duck, etc.