Is the Centre to Blame for Punjab’s Worst Flood in 37 Years?
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Synopsis
Punjab Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal holds the Union Government accountable for exacerbating the province's severe flooding crisis. He emphasizes the need for timely intervention and highlights the failures in water management that have led to widespread devastation.
Key Takeaways
- Punjab's worst flood in 37 years has caused significant damage.
- The Union Government is criticized for inadequate response.
- Timely water release could have mitigated the impact.
- Over 11,330 rescues were conducted by the government.
- Livestock welfare received special attention amidst the crisis.
Chandigarh, Aug 30 (NationPress) Punjab Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal has sharply criticized the Union Government, attributing it as the main cause behind the intensification of Punjab's most severe flood in 37 years. The Cabinet Minister emphasized that a timely release of water by the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) in June could have significantly lessened the devastation. He expressed concern that while countless individuals in Punjab continue to face hardships, the Prime Minister has yet to issue any statement regarding the crisis or provide assistance to the state.
He raised alarm about Haryana's actions, alleging that while Haryana offers help through letters, it simultaneously decided to reduce Punjab's water flow share during this monsoon from 7,900 cusecs to 6,250 cusecs to safeguard its canal systems and population, effectively leaving Punjab in dire straits.
Goyal stated that despite multiple requests, the BBMB did not release sufficient water from dams in June, which could have alleviated the flooding in Punjab. He revealed that a private company, Level 19 Biz Private Limited, hired in 2024 to evaluate the structural integrity of Madhopur headworks gates, incorrectly certified them as capable of enduring 6.25 lakh cusecs of water. However, the gates failed to manage even half of that, resulting in their collapse and the tragic death of an employee.
The Minister indicated that this serious oversight not only highlights negligence but also exacerbated the crisis. A formal notice has been issued to the company, and legal actions are being pursued. He mentioned that due to heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, combined with water from khuds and nullahs merging with the regulated discharge from the state's rivers, Punjab is facing one of the most catastrophic floods in its history, surpassing even the disastrous floods of 1988.
Goyal pointed out that only 2.15 lakh cusecs of water were released into the Ravi river from the Ranjit Sagar Dam, yet the additional flow from khuds and nullahs of neighboring states transformed the situation into widespread destruction. He explained that the regulated discharge, worsened by the sudden influx of floodwaters from khuds and nullahs, has exceeded all previous records, causing extensive devastation across seven districts.
He highlighted that, in 1988, the Ravi carried 11.20 lakh cusecs of water, whereas this year it has surged to 14.11 lakh cusecs. Out of this, around 2.15 lakh cusecs were released from the Ranjit Sagar Dam, while the remaining flow originated from khuds, nullahs, and catchment areas of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Punjab. “This unparalleled surge directly affected three districts with waters of the Ravi, while four other districts experienced severe losses due to floods from the Beas and the Sutlej rivers, causing immense damage to crops, livestock, and properties,” he noted.
On relief and rescue efforts, the Cabinet Minister announced that the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann-led government ensured timely evacuation and protection of lives. Over 11,330 people were rescued and relocated to 87 relief camps where food, shelter, and medical assistance were provided. Nearly 110 individuals were airlifted from stranded locations with the support of NDRF, SDRF, and Army units.
“The top priority of the Punjab Government was to save every life. From senior district officials to patwaris and volunteers, every branch of the government collaborated on the ground with the community,” he added. The Water Resources Minister also noted that extensive evacuations of livestock have been conducted. Market committee sheds and relief shelters were utilized to house animals in affected areas of Ferozepur and Fazilka, with large supplies of fodder provided by the government and volunteer organizations.
“Our government paid special attention to livestock because, unlike humans, they cannot voice their distress. We made sure that no animal was left unattended,” he remarked. Addressing the opposition’s comments, Minister Goyal stated that this is not the moment for blame-shifting but for collective action. He urged all political, social, and religious leaders to move beyond party divisions and fully cooperate in relief operations.
Point of View
It is imperative to understand the complexities surrounding the recent floods in Punjab. The balance of accountability must be maintained while recognizing the immediate need for relief efforts. It is crucial for all stakeholders to collaborate and prioritize the welfare of affected communities without engaging in blame games.
NationPress
31/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the recent floods in Punjab?
The floods in Punjab were primarily caused by heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, alongside inadequate water management by the Bhakra Beas Management Board.
How many people were affected by the floods?
Over 11,330 individuals were rescued, and many were displaced due to the floods affecting multiple districts.
What measures are being taken for relief?
The Punjab government has set up relief camps, provided food and medical assistance, and evacuated livestock to ensure the safety of both people and animals.
Who is responsible for the flood crisis?
Punjab Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal has attributed the worsening situation to the Union Government's failure to manage water release effectively.
What is being done to prevent future floods?
The Punjab government is reviewing water management practices and has initiated punitive actions against companies that failed to ensure infrastructure integrity.
