The North News
Chandigarh, July 14
Punjab Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal on Monday assured the state’s legislative assembly that there is currently no flood-like situation in Punjab, citing stable reservoir levels and extensive flood preparedness by the government.
Responding to a call attention motion by MLA Rana Inder Pratap Singh regarding risks to low-lying areas, Goyal provided detailed comparisons of current reservoir readings with those during the devastating floods of 2023. As of July 10, 2025, water levels at Bhakra, Pong, and Ranjit Sagar Dams remain comfortably below danger thresholds.
Bhakra Dam’s level stands at 1590.48 feet, significantly lower than 1614.89 feet recorded on the same date in 2023. Pong Dam is at 1325.48 feet, below last year’s 1350.63 feet, and Ranjit Sagar Dam is at 505.41 metres, compared to 520.2 metres in 2023.
“These levels confirm that all three key reservoirs are operating with sufficient buffer margins,” said Goyal, stressing that the state government has taken a proactive approach to flood prevention.
The government has allocated ₹204.5 crore under various schemes, including the State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF), MGNREGA, and departmental resources, to implement 599 flood mitigation projects. Among them are embankment reinforcements and extensive desilting work across over 4,766 kilometres of drains and natural waterways.
In terms of physical flood preparedness, 8.76 lakh empty cement (EC) bags have been acquired, with 2.42 lakh already filled and pre-positioned in high-risk districts. The Water Resources Department has also installed 1,044 check dams, 3,957 soak pits, and completed 294 kilometres of vetiver grass plantations to improve soil stability and water absorption.
In a parallel environmental effort, over 53,000 bamboo saplings have been planted to serve as natural barriers in erosion-prone areas.
Goyal emphasised that control rooms remain operational across districts, with emergency teams on alert and real-time river and drain monitoring systems active in vulnerable zones.
“The situation is under control. Reservoir levels are well within safe limits, and we are fully prepared to respond to any adverse developments,” he said.
The minister’s address reflects a more data-driven and decentralised approach by the state, in contrast to the reactive responses of past monsoon crises.
