Unprecedented rains have plunged eight Punjab districts into a state of emergency as devastating floods grip the region, compelling urgent rescue and relief efforts. The strategic release of water from the Bhakra and Pong Dams has triggered a rapid escalation in the Sutlej and Beas rivers’ water levels, wreaking havoc across the downstream areas. Pong Dam’s controlled water discharge has inundated regions spanning Hoshiarpur, Gurdaspur, and Kapurthala, with the looming threat now extended to Amritsar, Tarn Taran, and Ferozepur.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who arrived at Hoshiarpur to conduct on-ground assessments of the dire flood situation plaguing the affected areas, said that the entire government machinery, including the helicopter of the State Government, is at the people’s disposal in this hour of crisis.
Mann, in Hoshiarpur, maintained that even as no rain has taken place in Punjab, flood has been caused in these areas due to heavy downpour in the hill states. “I am constantly in touch with the BBMB (Bhakra Beas Management Board) authorities and the Himachal Pradesh Government to assess the situation,” he said.
Tragedy struck in Gurdaspur, where two children lost their lives while attempting to cross a swollen rainwater stream in the Sri Hargobindpura village. The victims have been identified as Jaskaran Singh (14), and Dilpreet Singh (13).
The Bhakhra Dam's capacity is currently at 1676 feet, with a discharge of around 1.17 lakh cusecs, while Pong Dam's capacity is at 1396 feet with a discharge of one lakh cusecs.
As the water levels rise, various villages in different districts have faced evacuations and rescue operations. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams are working tirelessly to assist stranded residents.
Despite the challenges, there are coordinated efforts to rescue those affected by the floods. The situation remains critical, but with the concerted efforts of the government and rescue teams, hopes are high for the safety and wellbeing of the affected communities.
Residents in flood-prone areas have been advised to move to safer locations, and authorities are actively engaged in monitoring and managing the crisis. The situation is ongoing, and updates will continue to be provided as the rescue and relief operations progress.
Punjab’s flood-ravaged regions are witnessing a massive mobilization of rescue forces as the situation grows increasingly dire. Multiple teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Indian Army, and the Border Security Force (BSF) have been deployed to conduct critical rescue operations across Hoshiarpur, Gurdaspur, and Rupnagar districts.
These three districts have borne the brunt of the disaster following the controlled release of excess water from the Bhakra and Pong dams, inundating extensive stretches of land. The surge in floodwaters has led to an alarming rise in the number of affected villages, which has skyrocketed from 45 on Wednesday to a staggering 114 on Thursday.
The impending threat of heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh adds to the ominous outlook, as officials brace for potential further devastation.
The water levels of the Beas and Sutlej rivers have surged dramatically due to the managed discharge of water from these dams, presenting a complex challenge for both the rescue teams and the affected population. The grim situation has prompted urgent evacuations in low-lying regions and riverside villages, with District Administrations urging inhabitants to prioritize their safety by relocating to safer areas.
In the wake of the crisis, the Gurdaspur District Administration has declared holidays in government and private schools within flood-hit villages until further notice. Similarly, the authorities in Rupnagar have announced school and anganwadi center closures in affected areas on August 17 and 18.
In the face of adversity, the resilience of Punjab’s residents shines through as villagers use whatever means available, from carrying essentials on their shoulders to utilizing tractor-trolleys, to reach safer grounds. Authorities have been actively disseminating information and making announcements to encourage the populace to seek safety and heed evacuation advice.
Bhakra, Pong Dams Release Excess Water
As Punjab battles relentless floods, the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) continued with its decision for controlled release of excess water from the Bhakra and Pong dams. The strategic decision aims to alleviate the situation by taking reservoir levels to a safer limit over the course of the next four to five days. The Bhakra Dam’s water level has dropped by about two feet due to recent releases, alleviating some of the immediate risk. Authorities have been closely monitoring the situation and maintaining controlled releases to mitigate further damage. With the Bhakra Dam located along the Sutlej River and the Pong Dam situated on the Beas River, both in Himachal Pradesh, heavy rainfall in the catchment areas has led to their reservoirs teeming with water. The coordinated discharge seeks to mitigate the imminent threat posed by these swelling reservoirs.
CM tours flood-affected areas of Hoshiarpur; “In touch with HP Govt, BBMB”
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday toured the flood affected areas of Hoshiarpur district in a boat to take stock of the situation at the ground level.
Aboard the boat with NDRF officials, the Chief Minister visited Rara and Fateh Kulla villages and then visited Haler, Motla, and Kolia villages. He asked the officers to ensure evacuation of the people in low lying areas to safe places. “Every life is precious for the State Government and no stone should be left unturned for bailing the people in this hour of crisis,” he said categorically.
Mann, later interacting with the media persons, said that the entire government machinery, including the helicopter of state government, is at disposal of people in this hour of crisis. “Though no rain has taken place in the state…due to heavy downpour in hilly states, flood has been caused in these areas,” said Mann, adding that he was constantly in touch with the BBMB authorities and the Himachal government to assess the situation.
The Chief Minister said that the havoc has been caused in the district due to release of excess water from Pong Dam. “Though Pong dam is above the danger mark by six feet, there is still nothing to worry; as in the past, it has been above 10 feet than the danger level,” said Mann, adding that the water is being released in a controlled manner from the dam for the safety of people.
“The water at Bhakra Dam is below the danger mark. Every effort is being made to bail out the people in this hour of crisis. People of the state are blessed with an indomitable spirit to fight against hostile situations,” he said.
The Chief Minister said that the State Government has already ordered a special girdawari to ascertain the loss incurred to the people due to floods in the state. “The officers have been directed to ensure that the special girdawari is done in a fair manner so that people are duly compensated for their loss. Bhagwant Mann assured the people that his government will compensate the people even if they had lost a hen or a goat.
“Every loss of crop, cattle, house or anything will be covered in the special girdawari to fully compensate the people for this colossus loss. The loss in these low lying areas, where water has caused havoc, will also be ascertained and people will be duly compensated,” said Mann, while assuring the people that his Government will compensate the people for loss of every single penny incurred by them during the floods.
