Chandigarh, July 7
Punjab Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal announced on Monday that the state government, under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has implemented comprehensive measures to address any potential flood-like situations across Punjab. Chairing a high-level meeting, the minister reviewed the state’s flood mitigation strategies, assessed ongoing flood control measures, and evaluated the Water Resources Department’s readiness to tackle emergencies.
Key Flood Prevention Initiatives
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Financial Commitment: The state has invested approximately ₹230 crore in flood management projects.
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Completed Projects: A total of 599 projects have been executed under the State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF), MGNREGA, and departmental machinery.
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Desilting and Cleaning: Drains, rivers, and choes spanning 4,766 km have been desilted and cleaned using departmental machinery and contractors.
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River Embankment Strengthening: All river embankments have been fortified to withstand potential flooding.
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Sand Bags and Jumbo Bags: The department has procured 7.79 lakh sand bags, with 4 lakh already filled and strategically placed across all districts for rapid response. For the first time, jumbo bags have been purchased to quickly address potential breaches in embankments or flood barriers.
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Additional Infrastructure: Construction of 1,044 check dams and 3,957 soak pits is underway, alongside 53,400 bamboo plantations and vetiver grass planting over 294 km to enhance flood resilience.
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Preparedness and Monitoring
During the meeting, Goyal engaged with field officials and engineers to assess real-time water levels in major rivers, drains, and choes, as well as the progress of flood protection works. He emphasized the need for heightened vigilance in low-lying and flood-prone areas to ensure swift responses to emerging threats. Key directives included:
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Maintaining fully operational control rooms.
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Deploying emergency response teams with adequate machinery and materials in high-risk zones.
The minister highlighted that lessons from the 2023 flood crisis have been integrated into current planning, ensuring a proactive approach. Principal Secretary Krishan Kumar reported that weekly meetings with district and circle officials are being held to monitor ongoing and completed projects.
Commitment to Public Safety
Goyal assured that the Mann government is closely monitoring water levels and is fully equipped to manage any monsoon-related challenges. “Our comprehensive preparations ensure we are ready for any eventuality,” he said, commending the ground staff’s dedication and urging their continued commitment during the monsoon season.
Meeting Attendees
The meeting was attended by Chief Engineer (Drainage-cum-Mining) Hardeep Singh Mendiratta and senior officials of the Water Resources Department.
Significance
The Punjab government’s proactive measures, including significant financial investment, infrastructure upgrades, and strategic planning, demonstrate a robust commitment to protecting lives and property from potential floods. The introduction of innovative solutions like jumbo bags and extensive desilting efforts positions Punjab as a model for flood preparedness, ensuring the safety of its citizens during the monsoon season.
