Answer

Introduction

Punjab, known as the “food bowl of India,” contributes nearly 20% of India’s wheat and 12% of its rice despite covering only 1.5% of its landmass. However, its riverine geography makes it inherently flood-prone. Punjab witnessed severe floods, with excess rainfall of over 45% above seasonal normal and inflows exceeding 2 lakh cusecs in the Ravi, leading to large-scale displacement and damage. These floods resulted from a complex interplay of natural and human-induced factors.

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Natural Factors Behind Floods in Punjab

• Heavy Monsoon Rainfall in Catchment Areas: Intense rainfall in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and J&K increased river inflows beyond their carrying capacity.
  Eg: In August 2025, the region saw 45% excess rainfall in the region, leading to inflows of 50,000–55,000 cusecs in Beas and over 2 lakh cusecs in Ravi.
• Geographical Vulnerability of Punjab: Punjab lies in the basin of five rivers, with fertile alluvial plains prone to overflow during monsoons.
  Eg: Districts like Pathankot, Gurdaspur are frequently affected due to their riverine proximity.
• Seasonal Rivers and Hill Streams: Seasonal rivers like Ghaggar and numerous hill streams swell during heavy rains, causing flash floods.
• Climate Variability and Extreme Events: Increasing frequency of extreme rainfall due to climate change aggravates natural flood risks.
  Eg: 2025 inflow is about 20% higher than 2023 (the last time Punjab flooded), indicating intensification of extreme weather.

Human Factors Behind Floods in Punjab

• Suboptimal Dam and Reservoir Management: High reservoir levels in July–August reduce flood cushion, forcing sudden releases during peak rains.
• Weak Coordination Between Agencies: Lack of real-time communication between upstream and downstream authorities delays preventive measures.
  Eg: Poor coordination between Punjab Irrigation Department and BBMB led to gate failures at Madhopur barrage.
• Encroachment and Weakening of Dhussi Bundhs: Illegal mining and poor maintenance weaken embankments, reducing their flood protection capacity.
  Eg: Union Agriculture Minister highlighted illegal mining as a major cause behind embankment breaches.
• Unplanned Urbanization and Drainage Blockage: Rapid urban growth obstructs natural drainage channels, leading to urban floods.
  

Measures to Enhance Flood Preparedness and Resilience

• Integrated Dam and Reservoir Management: Adopt dynamic rule curves considering climate projections to maintain flood cushions.
  Eg: Revise BBMB reservoir management to balance irrigation, power, and flood control needs.
• Strengthening and Modernizing Embankments: Reinforce dhussi bundhs(earthen embankments) with geo-synthetic materials and prevent illegal mining.
• Improved Early Warning Systems: Implement AI-based real-time flood forecasting and community alert systems.
• Restoration of Natural Drainage and Wetlands: Rejuvenate Harike wetlands and clear obstructed choes (hill streams) to allow free flow of excess water.
  Eg: Harike wetland restoration can act as a natural flood buffer for Beas and Sutlej.
• Climate-Resilient Urban Planning: Enforce zoning regulations and construct sustainable drainage systems in flood-prone towns.
• Community-Centric Flood Management: Train local disaster response teams and promote flood insurance for farmers.
• Inter-State and Centre-State Coordination Mechanism: Create a unified river basin authority involving Himachal, J&K, Haryana, and Punjab.
  Eg: Similar Ganga River Basin Authority improved coordination in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

Conclusion 

Experts recommend scientific dam management, embankment upkeep, climate-resilient planning, and curbing illegal mining to cut Punjab’s flood risks. A state Flood Management Authority, BBMB representation, and real-time data sharing with upstream states, backed by proactive risk reduction, can build a climate-resilient agrarian Punjab.

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