Rising Flood Threat in Punjab Highlighted in Rajya Sabha, Call for Urgent Action

Member of Parliament Satnam Singh Sandhu on Monday raised the issue of the worsening flood crisis in Punjab in the Rajya Sabha, urging immediate intervention by the central government. Speaking during the Zero Hour, he warned that failure to improve water management systems in time could lead to a large-scale disaster in the coming years. Highlighting the seriousness of the situation, Sandhu called for the formulation of a comprehensive “Punjab Flood Resilience and Water Security Plan.” He suggested that the plan should include the construction of flood-control dams and small water reservoirs, along with strengthening existing dams through RCC lining or heavy sheet protection to enhance their durability. The MP noted that Punjab has witnessed one of the most severe flood-related devastations in recent decades. Between 2023 and 2025, floods claimed over 80 lives in the state and resulted in the death of nearly three lakh livestock. In addition, lakhs of acres of fertile agricultural land were destroyed, causing heavy losses to farmers. He expressed concern over projections indicating that future floods could be even more severe if preventive measures are not taken promptly. Sandhu emphasized that the crisis is not merely a natural disaster but a foreseeable one. He pointed out that while six months have passed since the last flood tragedy, only four months remain before the next flood season, leaving limited time for preparedness. Raising concerns over dam conditions, he highlighted that increasing silt accumulation has become a major threat to the water management system. He stated that out of the total capacity of 9 billion cubic meters of the Bhakra Dam, nearly 2 billion cubic meters have already been lost due to siltation. Similarly, the Gobind Sagar Lake has accumulated silt ranging between 100 to 200 feet. He warned that without timely desilting and capacity enhancement, even moderate rainfall could trigger floods. The MP also identified illegal encroachments along riverbanks and unlawful mining activities as key contributors to flooding. He stated that these activities are altering river courses and obstructing the natural flow of water, thereby increasing flood risks. To mitigate future disasters, Sandhu recommended the use of satellite mapping, AI-based rainfall modelling, and digital flood alert systems for accurate forecasting and timely response. He also stressed the need to revive wetlands as natural flood buffers. Furthermore, he advocated for the establishment of an integrated river health index and open data records to ensure transparent quarterly reporting of river water quality.