Shimla: The Army and administration has been put on high alert in Himachal Pradesh following information that an artificial dam in Tibet is likely to burst triggering flash floods in Sutlej River.

People on both sides of the river have been asked to move to safer places as a precautionary measure as the artificial dam created by the landslide, which blocked Pareechu river, is likely to burst within 24 hours because of continuous heavy rains, according to information received from China through diplomatic channel.

The administration, Army and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) has been put on high alert following the flash flood threat, which has caused panic among the people living downstream Sutlej from Kinnaur to Koldam in Bilaspur district.

A high-level meeting presided by State Chief Secretary Kanwar Shamsher Singh yesterday (Aug 8, 2004) reviewed the preparedness to meet any eventuality in case of flood in Sutlej.

Meanwhile, the Nathpa Jhakri Hydel Project authority again closed down its two units of 250 mw each following flash flood threat that could result in silting of the tunnel and machineries.

The power generation in its two units were resumed yesterday afternoon (Aug 8, 2004) after three days.

The project is supplying power to Northern States of Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Rajasthan through Northern Grid.