Punjab’s Worst Flood in 37 Years, Minister Goyal Blames BBMB Negligence and Centre’s Silence

Punjab Flood Crisis : Punjab Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal today lashed out at the Centre and held the Government of India responsible for making the worst flood in Punjab in the last 37 years even worse. Addressing a press conference at Punjab Bhawan here, the Cabinet Minister said that if the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) had released water on time in June, the devastation could have been reduced to a great extent. The Cabinet Minister also lamented that despite millions of people in Punjab being affected by the floods, the Prime Minister has not given any help to the state, let alone giving any statement on this serious situation.

Expressing concern over Haryana's attitude, the cabinet minister alleged that while on one hand Haryana is sending letters offering help, on the other hand it has also written that Haryana's share of 7,900 cusecs of water during this monsoon should be reduced to 6,250 cusecs so that its canal system and population can be protected from floods. He said that in this way Haryana has left Punjab to its fate.

'Failed to release water'

He further said that despite repeated requests, BBMB has failed to release the required water from the dams in the month of June. He said that if the required water was released from the dams, it could have helped in reducing the impact of floods in Punjab. The minister further said that a private company Level 19 Biz Private Limited, which had assessed the structural capacity of the gates of Madhopur Headworks in the year 2024, had stated in its report that the said gates are capable of managing 6.25 lakh cusecs of water, which proved to be completely wrong. He said that the gates failed to manage even half the water of the certified capacity, due to which their collapse led to floods as well as the tragic death of an employee of the department.

Goyal said that this serious mistake not only led to gross negligence but also worsened the situation. He said that a strict notice has been issued to the concerned company and necessary action is being taken.

'Most severe flood in Punjab history'

Punjab Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal said that due to heavy rains in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir and the mixing of water from ravines and drains with the controlled water released by the state in the rivers, Punjab is facing the most severe flood in history, which is even more damaging than the terrible flood of 1988. He said that even though only 2.15 lakh cusecs of water was released into the Ravi river from Ranjit Sagar Dam, the additional flow from ravines and drains of the neighboring states made the situation more serious. He said that the mixing of flood water from ravines and drains with the controlled water of the rivers increased the continuous flow of water significantly, which has broken all previous records and caused heavy damage in seven districts of the state.

Four more districts are in the grip of water

Goyal said that in 1988, the Ravi river had 11.20 lakh cusecs of water, while this year it has reached 14.11 lakh cusecs. In this, about 2.15 lakh cusecs of water was released from Ranjit Sagar Dam, while the rest of the flow came from ravines, drains and catchment areas of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab. He said that due to this increased flow of water, the flood in Ravi directly affected three districts, while four more districts were hit by floods from Beas and Sutlej rivers, causing heavy damage to standing crops, livestock and people's homes.

'Protection of precious lives'

Throwing light on the relief and rescue operations, the Cabinet Minister said that the government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann ensured the safety of precious lives by evacuating people from flood-affected areas in time. He said that more than 11,330 people were rescued and sent to 87 relief camps set up by the state government, where they were provided food, shelter and medical care. About 110 persons were airlifted from flood-affected areas with the help of NDRF, SDRF and Army teams. He said, "The prime priority of the Punjab government is to save every life. From senior district officials to patwaris and volunteers, every branch of the government played an active role at the ground level."

Animals can't call for help

The water resources minister also clarified that animals have been shifted to safer places on a large scale. In the affected areas of Ferozepur and Fazilka, animals have been kept in market committee sheds and relief shelters, where large quantities of fodder have been provided by the government and social welfare organizations. He said, 'Our government has given special attention to animals because animals cannot cry for help like humans. We have ensured that no animal is neglected.'

Opposition Allegations Rejected By Goyal

Responding to the statements of opposition parties, Brinder Kumar Goyal said that this is not the time to make allegations, but the time to work together for the state. He appealed to all political, social and religious leaders to rise above party interests and fully cooperate in relief work. He also stressed the need to give states the right to assess the damage and distribute compensation from the National Disaster Fund because the states are more aware of the ground realities of the damage than the Center. Chief Engineer (Headquarters) Jitendra Pal Singh and other senior officials were present during this meeting.