Is the Government Committed to Permanently Safeguarding Punjab from Floods?
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Synopsis
Punjab's Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema emphasizes the government's commitment to permanently protect the state from floods. Recent initiatives aim to clean and deepen rivers, addressing flood damages from prior years. Cheema also announces significant development projects aimed at boosting local infrastructure and urges public monitoring for accountability.
Key Takeaways
- Punjab government is committed to permanent flood protection.
- Plans include cleaning and deepening key rivers.
- Central Government support is crucial for cleaning the Beas River.
- Significant development projects have been initiated in Dirba.
- Public monitoring of projects is encouraged to ensure quality.
Chandigarh, Oct 14 (NationPress) The Finance Minister of Punjab, Harpal Singh Cheema, declared on Tuesday that the state government is fully committed to ensuring permanent flood protection for Punjab. To achieve this objective, plans are underway to clean, deepen, and widen the Ravi and Sutlej rivers, which are under the state's jurisdiction. Additionally, the government has sought permission from the Central Government to initiate cleaning efforts on the Beas River, recognized as a Ramsar site.
During a press conference in Dirba, Cheema emphasized the substantial damage inflicted on Punjab by floods in 2023 and 2025, asserting that desilting the rivers is essential for long-term flood prevention. He noted that 28 critical locations along the Beas River have been identified for urgent cleaning and called on the Central Government to extend maximum support for this initiative.
Cheema opposed the Central Government's suggestion to grant permanent membership to Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan in the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), labeling it an injustice to the people of Punjab that cannot be accepted.
He reaffirmed that the Punjab government will not permit other states to take control of the BBMB. In a gesture for the residents of Dirba Assembly constituency, Cheema unveiled development projects worth Rs 11.46 crore, including a Rs 2.5 crore canal water project in Chhajli village. This project aims to connect farmers' fields to canal water through a 13-km pipeline to mitigate the issue of non-functional tube wells due to declining water tables.
At various events, Cheema stated that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the government has been dedicated to comprehensive development in the state over the last three and a half years.
He highlighted initiatives to enhance healthcare, education, and infrastructure, pointing out that previous governments' misguided policies had obstructed progress.
“The government is dedicated to fulfilling public expectations with integrity, ensuring no compromise on the quality of development projects. For the first time, contractors will be responsible for maintaining the new rural roads for five years,” the minister remarked.
Cheema encouraged residents to actively monitor the projects to guarantee their satisfactory completion.
Point of View
The commitment of Punjab's government under Harpal Singh Cheema to tackle the persistent issue of flooding reflects a proactive approach to disaster management. This initiative not only aims to protect the local populace but also highlights the importance of inter-state cooperation in resource management and infrastructure development.
NationPress
14/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What actions is the Punjab government taking against floods?
The Punjab government is cleaning, deepening, and widening the Ravi and Sutlej rivers, and has sought permission to clean the Beas River.
How much funding has been allocated for development projects in Dirba?
A total of Rs 11.46 crore has been allocated for various development projects in the Dirba Assembly constituency.
What is the BBMB and why is it important?
The Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) manages water resources in Punjab and the surrounding states, and its governance can significantly impact local water management.
What is the significance of the Rs 2.5 crore canal water project?
The canal water project aims to connect farmers' fields to canal water, addressing the issue of defunct tube wells due to declining water tables.
How can residents ensure project completion quality?
Residents are encouraged to actively monitor the projects to ensure they meet quality standards and are completed satisfactorily.
