Chandigarh: Congress MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa has termed the advisory issued by the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) regarding rising water levels in the Bhakra and Pong dams as a serious warning and has urged the Punjab government to immediately ensure effective flood-prevention measures.
Alarming Signals Ahead of Monsoon
He said the evolving situation ahead of the monsoon season is sending alarming signals for Punjab. The recent rainfall has already exposed significant weaknesses in the state's flood management system. Given the extensive damage to canals and water distribution networks, warnings from agricultural experts, and rising reservoir levels, the state government must undertake comprehensive preparations without delay.
Call to Prioritize Flood Infrastructure
Randhawa said the government should set aside election rallies and other non-essential activities and focus on strengthening flood management infrastructure in Punjab to prevent a repeat of the devastating floods witnessed in 2023 and 2025. He said the government appears not to have learned any lessons from the previous two flood disasters.
Demand for Immediate Review and Action Plan
The MP urged the AAP government and Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to immediately review flood-control preparedness in all districts, ensure special monitoring of canals and drainage channels, strengthen vulnerable embankments, and publicly release an advance action plan for areas vulnerable to flooding.
Recent Breaches and Damage
Randhawa said recent rains have led to breaches at nearly 35 locations in canals, distributaries and minor irrigation channels across Punjab. The breach in the Jaito Distributary alone has submerged approximately 800 acres of agricultural land. Several other water channels, including Kotbhai, Phul, Mudki, Ladhu Ka, Pandori, Ablu, Kotli and Bhana, have also been affected. This situation indicates that the irrigation and drainage systems are not fully prepared to face the challenges of the upcoming monsoon.
BBMB Advisory and Reservoir Levels
He further noted that the BBMB has advised Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan to release more water before the onset of the monsoon. At present, the water level in the Bhakra Dam stands at 1,578 feet and in the Pong Dam at 1,328 feet, while the ideal levels for this period are considered to be 1,500 feet and 1,300 feet, respectively. BBMB itself has acknowledged that water levels in both reservoirs are above normal and may rise rapidly with the arrival of the monsoon and accelerated snowmelt in the Himalayan region.
Stay updated with the latest Chandigarh news. Download the TOI App.
