CHANDIGARH – Punjab is facing a renewed threat of flooding as incessant rainfall has caused major rivers and dams to swell, pushing water levels close to or beyond danger marks. The Ghaggar River is in spate, while the Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi rivers are also seeing rising levels. Authorities are on high alert, urging residents to take precautionary measures as more rain is predicted.
Dams and Rivers Near Critical Point
The situation is particularly dire at key dams in the region. The Bhakra Dam on the Sutlej River has reached 1,674 feet, just six feet shy of its danger mark of 1,680 feet. The Pong Dam on the Beas River has already surpassed its danger mark, standing at 1,390.56 feet. While the Shahpur Kandi and Ranjit Sagar dams are currently below their critical levels, their rising water levels remain a concern.
The surge in river levels has already caused localized flooding. At the Harike and Hussainiwala headworks, the Sutlej’s flow has increased significantly, leading to the submersion of farmlands and villages in the Ferozepur and Fazilka districts. According to government data, nearly 3 lakh acres of farmland and 1.25 lakh people have been affected by the rising waters.
Urban and Rural Flood Fears
In Patiala, the Ghaggar River is a major concern, with its level rising dramatically over the past few days. Farmers in areas like Bhunerheri village are expressing fear of a repeat of the 2019 and 2023 floods, which caused widespread devastation. The opening of Sukhna’s floodgates is expected to exacerbate the situation for villages downstream.
Meanwhile, Ludhiana is grappling with urban flooding as the Buddha nallah, a major sewage drain, has overflowed due to the heavy rain. This has led to fears of sewer water backflowing into homes and contaminating the Sutlej River, which the nallah eventually joins.
With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting more rain in Punjab and neighboring Himachal Pradesh, officials are calling for high caution. Patiala Deputy Commissioner Dr. Preeti Yadav advised residents to stay away from swollen rivers and drains and to avoid unnecessary travel, emphasizing that while there is no need to panic, taking precautionary measures is essential for safety.