Even as a few districts in Punjab are gradually recovering from the aftermath of floods that struck over a month ago, four districts — Ropar, Hoshiarpur, Gurdaspur, and Kapurthala — are once again facing flooding conditions following the increased outflows from the Bhakra and Pong dams on Monday.
The release of water from the Bhakra Dam on the Sutlej River and the Pong Dam on the Beas River exacerbated the situation with several villages in these districts submerged in water.
The incessant rainfall in the neighbouring Himachal Pradesh has led to a continuous rise in the water levels of the Bhakra Dam, with the water levels currently being only five feet below the danger level. In response, the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) authorities have decided to keep the floodgates of the dam open by eight feet for the next four to five days to manage the water flow in the reservoirs.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann assured that the situation is under control and Punjab Government is in contact with the BBMB authorities to manage the situation.
At the same time, the BBMB, despite the prevailing dire situation, has assured that the Bhakra and the Pong Dams do not pose any threat to the state, and the dams are in stable condition.
However, as the water release continued, numerous areas downstream have been inundated, leading to widespread concern.
Chief Minister directed all his Cabinet Ministers to assist the people and authorities concerned in the rescue and relief operations in the affected areas. Punjab Government has also sought assistance from the armed forces to aid in the relief efforts.
In response to the crisis, makeshift helipads have also been established in various villages and towns of Ropar to evacuate residents. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are also on the ground, working to ensure the safety of the affected population.
In Hoshiarpur, the administration has sounded an alert as water levels have surged due to the opening of floodgates at the Pong Dam. Hoshiarpur Deputy Commissioner Komal Mittal has urged the residents to move to safer locations. Relief camps have also been set up in schools and gurudwaras to accommodate displaced individuals.
Mittal said that apart from several villages in Mukerian region, the villages of Mahtabpur, Motla, Hallet, Janardan, and Talwara have experienced water overflow into the 52 Barrage. “People have been urged to evacuate their homes and move to safer locations. The population in these areas is significantly high, emphasizing the need for residents to relocate to secure places,” she said.
Similarly, the situation has escalated in Gurdaspur district as the breached bundh on the Beas River led to overflowing water in areas like Jagtapura Tanda and Bhaini Paswal. District authorities have urged the residents to evacuate, and have diverted traffic away from vulnerable areas.
Kapurthala district has also been affected, with areas near the banks of the Beas river witnessing rising water levels and inundation in villages of Mand Talwandi Kooka, Mand Sardar Sahib, and Mand Raipur Aryiyaan.
Gurdaspur Deputy Commissioner Dr Himanshu Aggarwal revealed that the breach of Bhakra Dam on the upper regions of Jagatpura Tanda and Bhaini Paswal has posed a threat to several villages along the Beas river, including Chichiya Choriyan, Pakhowal, Khaira, Dalerpur, Chinibet, Nadala, Jagatpur Kalan, Kohli, and Khariyan. As a precautionary measure, the Gurudaspur district administration has closed the Mukeirian bridge, connecting the Hoshiarpur district, and diverted traffic towards the Dinanagar highway to ensure safety.
Punjab government, along with the armed forces and NDRF, is working tirelessly to ensure the safety of citizens and provide relief to those affected by the floods. The situation remains critical in several districts, and efforts are ongoing to mitigate the impact and provide necessary support to those in need.
