The North News
Chandigarh, August 6
Punjab is fully equipped to tackle any flood-like situation across the state, Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal said on Wednesday, amid continued heavy rainfall in the region.
The Minister assured that 24×7 district-level control rooms are fully operational, with emergency response teams on standby. Real-time monitoring of rivers and drainage systems is ongoing, particularly in vulnerable flood zones, he added.
“Punjab has implemented robust flood mitigation measures, reinforced embankments, and deployed early warning systems to ensure rapid response in case of emergencies,” Goyal said.
He confirmed that major dams are currently within safe levels, with Bhakra Dam at 1637.40 feet (maximum: 1680 ft), Pong Dam at 1373.08 ft (max: 1390 ft), and Ranjit Sagar Dam at 1694.64 ft (max: 1731.55 ft).
The state has desilted and cleaned nearly 4,766 km of drains and watercourses, and filled over 3.24 lakh sandbags, strategically placed for emergency use. GIS mapping is also being used to track their locations for rapid deployment.
A detailed flood response protocol is in place, including round-the-clock surveillance, daily situation reporting, and close coordination between the Water Resources, Revenue, and Disaster Management departments.
Goyal urged residents living near riverbanks and low-lying areas to stay alert, avoid waterlogged areas, and contact control rooms in case of emergencies. He emphasised that the state government is committed to protecting life and property through swift and coordinated action.
