Cameras to keep vigil on Pong, Bhakra Dam

PATHANKOT/TALWARA: To tighten securityat Pong Dam and Bhakra Dam, the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) has decidedto install closed circuit cameras at vital points of the respectivedams.The decision was taken on Tuesday when BBMB chairman RakeshNath visited Pong Dam site to review the existing securityarrangements.The security measures come in the wake of heightenedsecurity threats following J-K militants firing at Damtal range, in theadjoining Indora Tehsil in HP.The Pong Dam authorities have alsobanned entry of vehicles to the dam site at night and now the vehicular trafficis only allowed between 8 am to 6pm on Jassur Talwara road, which passes throughthe dam site.Pang Dam authorities told TNN that the need for modernsecurity surveillance set up was being considered since long, as both the PongDam and the Bhakra Dam enjoyed unique identities on the world map of Hydropowerprojects due to their geo-strategic locations.In a high levelmeeting attended by Pong Dam chief engineer Narender Sharma, chief labourofficer SK Verma, deputy secretary DP Sharma and other senior officers, Nathstressed on the need to protect flora and fauna of the Pong Dam lake. He alsosaid that there was a need for closer coordination with the HP government toreduce the threat of poachers and timber mafia.Nath met a delegationof the non BBMB employees association and assured them that their ''genuinedemands'' will be solved. The joint action committee have been protesting againstglaring differences in facilities being enjoyed by the BBMB and non-BBMBemployees.Pong Dam workers union leader Avtar Krishan presented acharter of demands of the workers to Nath and asked him protect their interestsin the changing scenario of liberalisation, privatisation and globalisation.