The Central Government not only failed to provide assistance to Punjab but the Prime Minister hasn’t even commented on the flood situation. If BBMB had released water timely in June, the situation could have been controlled: Water Resources Minister.
SNPNEWS.IN Update, Chandigarh, August 30: Punjab’s Water Resources Minister, Mr. Barinder Kumar Goyal, today held the Central Government responsible for exacerbating the flood situation in Punjab. He stated that Punjab is grappling with devastating floods after 37 years, resulting in the destruction of crops across approximately 4-6 lakh acres, losses worth thousands of crores to private and public property, and the tragic loss of several precious lives.
Addressing a press conference at Punjab Bhawan, The Cabinet Minister said that if the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB)had released water in a timely manner in June, the devastation could have been significantly mitigated. He expressed regret that despite millions of people in Punjab being affected by the floods, the Prime Minister has neither provided any assistance to the state nor issued a statement regarding the grave situation.
Expressing concern over Haryana’s stance, the Cabinet Minister alleged that while Haryana has offered help through letters, it has simultaneously demanded that its water share of 7,900 cusecs during this monsoon be reduced to 6,250 cusecs to protect its canal system and population from floods. He stated that this approach has left Punjab to fend for itself. Despite repeated requests, BBMB failed to release the required amount of water from dams in June, which could have helped reduce the impact of floods in Punjab.
The Minister further revealed that a report by a private company, “Level 19 Biz Private Limited,” which assessed the structural capacity of the Madhopur Headworks gates in 2024, claimed the gates could handle 6.25 lakh cusecs of water. This claim proved entirely false, as the gates failed to manage even half of their certified capacity, leading to their collapse and the tragic death of a department employee.
Mr. Goyal stated that this grave error not only exposed significant negligence but also worsened the situation. A strict notice has been issued to the company, and appropriate action is being taken.
Punjab’s Water Resources Minister, Mr. Barinder Kumar Goyal, said that heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir, combined with regulated water released into rivers and the additional flow from streams and rivulets, has led Punjab to face the most severe floods in its history, far worse than the devastating floods of 1988.
He noted that while only 2.15 lakh cusecs of water was released from the Ranjit Sagar Dam into the Ravi River, additional flows from streams and rivulets in neighboring states made the situation more severe.
The continuous influx of floodwater from streams and rivulets merging with the regulated river water significantly increased the flow, breaking all previous records and causing extensive damage in seven districts of the state.Mr. Goyal highlighted that in 1988, the Ravi River had a flow of 11.20 lakh cusecs, whereas this year it reached 14.11 lakh cusecs. Of this, approximately 2.15 lakh cusecs was released from the Ranjit Sagar Dam, with the remaining flow coming from streams, rivulets, and catchment areas in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Punjab.
He stated that the floods in the Ravi River directly affected three districts, while floods in the Beas and Sutlej rivers impacted four additional districts, causing significant damage to standing crops, livestock, and homes.Shedding light on relief and rescue operations, the Cabinet Minister said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Mr. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the government ensured timely evacuation of people from flood-affected areas and prioritized the safety of lives. Over 11,330 people have been rescued and shifted to 87 relief camps set up by the state government, where they are being provided with food, shelter, and medical care.
With the assistance of NDRF, SDRF, and Army teams, approximately 110 individuals were airlifted from flood-affected areas. He emphasized, “The Punjab Government’s top priority is to save every life. From district officials to patwaris and volunteers, every branch of the government is actively working on the ground to save lives.
”The Water Resources Minister also clarified that livestock has been relocated to safe locations on a large scale. In the affected areas of Ferozepur and Fazilka, animals have been housed in market committee sheds and relief shelters, with ample fodder supplied by the government and NGOs. He said, “Our government has paid special attention to livestock because, unlike humans, animals cannot call for help. We ensured that no animal is left unattended.”
Responding to the opposition’s statements, Mr. Barinder Kumar Goyal said this is not the time to point fingers but to work together for the state. He appealed to all political, social, and religious leaders to rise above party interests and fully cooperate in relief efforts.
He also stressed the need to grant states the authority to assess damages and distribute compensation from the National Disaster Pool, as states are better aware of ground realities compared to the Central Government. During the meeting, Chief Engineer (Headquarters) Mr. Jitender Pal Singh and other senior officials were present.