Punjab strengthens flood preparedness with new initiatives

Punjab Water Resources Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal, on Monday, said that the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government has made foolproof arrangements to deal with any potential flood-like situation across Punjab.

While chairing a high-level meeting, the Cabinet Minister reviewed ongoing flood mitigation efforts across the state, assessed the status of current flood control measures and evaluated the Water Resources Department's preparedness to handle potential emergencies.

The Cabinet Minister was briefed on flood protection measures undertaken and detailed preparedness plans for vulnerable areas. He was informed that the government has incurred around Rs.230 crore for various flood management initiatives. A total of 599 projects have been completed under various financial heads including SDMF, MGNREGA and departmental machinery. These include activities such as desilting and cleaning of drains, rivers and choes spanning 4,766-kms with departmental machinery and through contracotrs, as well as strengthening of river embankments.

The Cabinet Minister was informed by the officials that in addition to this, a total of 1,044 check dams and 3,957 soak pits are also being constructed. 53,400 bamboo plantations have been done, and vetiver grass has also been planted over a length of 294 km.

The Minister was informed that the department has procured 7.79 lakh sand bags, of which around 4 lakh have already been filled and strategically positioned in all districts to provide immediate response capability in case of flooding emergencies. Besides this, the department the first time has purchased jumbo bags that will enable teams to quickly fill any potential breach in embankments or flood barriers.

During interactions with field officials and engineers, the Cabinet Minister gathered information to assess real-time water levels in major rivers, drains and choes along with the progress of flood protection works including cleaning and desilting of drains, strengthening of embankments and departmental machinery operations.

He stressed the critical need for strict vigilance, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas, to ensure timely response to any emerging threats. Directives were issued to ensure that control rooms remain fully operational and emergency response teams are deployed with adequate machinery and materials in high-risk zones.

While taking stock of real-time water levels in major rivers and drains, the Cabinet Minister assured that the Mann government is closely monitoring the situation and is fully prepared to manage any eventuality during the monsoon season. He categorically said that lessons learned from the critical situation of 2023 have been incorporated into current planning.

Principal Secretary Mr. Krishan Kumar informed that weekly meetings were being conducted regularly with district and circle officials to monitor the progress of completed and ongoing works.

The Minister also commended the dedication of ground staff and urged them to continue their committed service during the monsoon season.

Chief Engineer (Drainage-cum-Mining) Mr. Hardeep Singh Mendiratta and senior officials of Water Resources Department attended the meeting.