Is Widening Ghaggar River a Priority? Punjab Minister Updates Assembly
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Synopsis
Punjab's Water Resources Minister, Barindar Kumar Goyal, has announced a proposal to widen the Ghaggar river near Tiwana village and reinforce its embankment. Following heavy rainfall that caused significant erosion and flooding, this initiative aims to protect agricultural lands and enhance flood management in the region. Discover the details of this crucial proposal.
Key Takeaways
- Proposal to widen and reinforce the Ghaggar river is under consideration.
- Significant rainfall in 2023 has affected water levels and caused erosion.
- Department has spent Rs 5.06 crore on protective measures.
- Immediate plan to use excavated soil to strengthen the left bank.
- Estimated cost for new work is around Rs 11 lakh.
Chandigarh, July 15 (NationPress) The Punjab Water Resources Minister Barindar Kumar Goyal reported to the Assembly that the initiative to widen the Ghaggar river adjacent to Tiwana village in Dera Bassi and reinforce its embankment is currently being evaluated.
In response to a call attention motion presented by Kuljit Singh Randhawa, the minister indicated that due to the significant rainfall in 2023, the water levels in the Ghaggar have risen notably.
This surge resulted in floodwaters from the Ghaggar overflowing onto agricultural land on the left bank, causing erosion that led to a drop in ground level of approximately eight to ten feet.
In response, the department has installed stone revetment and studs along a 2,500-foot stretch to protect the farmland from erosion. Additionally, an embankment was constructed behind the revetment using soil.
The minister disclosed that the department allocated Rs 5.06 crore for this project. He noted that heavy rainfall in the Ghaggar's catchment area on June 29 caused a rapid rise in water levels, yet the stone revetment remained fully intact.
Nevertheless, some areas of the soil embankment behind the revetment experienced erosion. The department promptly acted to repair the embankment, completing the restoration work entirely within the department.
On July 8, the Ghaggar River experienced another substantial flow, but it passed through without inflicting any damage to the embankment.
The Cabinet Minister reiterated that the proposal is under review to widen the Ghaggar on the right side near Tiwana Village, utilizing the excavated soil to enhance and broaden the left bank.
According to the proposal, this work will commence immediately by the department at an estimated cost of around Rs 11 lakh.
Point of View
It is essential to prioritize flood management and agricultural protection in Punjab. The proposed widening of the Ghaggar river reflects the government's proactive approach towards mitigating the effects of natural calamities. Such initiatives are vital for ensuring the safety and sustainability of agricultural practices in the region.
NationPress
27/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of widening the Ghaggar river?
The primary aim is to enhance flood management and protect agricultural lands from erosion.
How much funding is allocated for the Ghaggar river project?
The project has a budget of approximately Rs 5.06 crore for the initial phase.
What measures were taken after the recent erosion?
Stone revetment and soil embankments were installed to protect the farmland from further erosion.
When will the widening of the river commence?
The department plans to initiate the widening of the river immediately, with an estimated cost of Rs 11 lakh.
What impact did the recent rainfall have on the river?
The heavy rainfall led to a significant rise in water levels, resulting in flooding and erosion of the banks.
