Floodwaters expose cracks in Punjab’s governance

THE unprecedented scale and intensity of floods in Punjab witnessed this year underline the complex convergence of climatic shifts, infrastructural deficiencies and socio-economic vulnerabilities. Historical data indicates a pattern of severe inundations, with the 1988 floods having affected over 34 lakh people, followed by the floods in 2023.

As per a study by the Punjab Remote Sensing Centre in Ludhiana, the flooding in 1988 was mainly due to overflowing of rivers, whereas in 1993, it was caused by breaches in river and canal embankments.

The study suggests that flood disasters can be reduced if they are managed properly and preventive measures are adopted. The natural drainage of the state is partially disrupted by canals, railway tracks, roads and cultivation on natural watercourses. This needs to be corrected.

The cause of the current disaster is heavy rain, especially in the upper catchment areas of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir. IMD data showed an astonishing 1,272 per cent more rainfall in Punjab over 24 hours, highlighting a changing climatic pattern. A series of anthropogenic factors have compounded this meteorological event.

The primary reason for the widespread flooding is a sizeable release of water from the major dams, such as the Ranjit Sagar Dam on the Ravi river and the Harike headworks on the Sutlej.

While dam operators argue that these releases were necessary to prevent serious structural failures, the flow of water— one release showing 2.2 lakh cusecs from the Harike headworks — flooded the nearby villages and farmland. This highlights a major weakness in local dam management, which seems to favour structural safety over the welfare of communities downstream.

Additionally, the state's outdated and poorly maintained drainage system has contributed to the catastrophe. The Sutlej, Beas and Ravi overflowed not just because of increased flow, but also due to their reduced capacity over time.

Years of silt build-up, uncontrolled construction and development on riverbanks and floodplains and the neglect of drainage channels have turned natural waterways into narrow paths. This is a critical distinction, transforming a natural hazard into a man-made disaster.

The destruction of natural drainage for urban and agricultural use has lowered the land's ability to absorb water, leading to quick runoff and localised flooding.

The socio-economic impact of the floods has been both profound and extensive. As per media reports, the 2025 floods have claimed at least 40 lives and affected over 2.56 lakh individuals across 12 districts, with 1,044 villages severely impacted till now.

Extensive devastation has occurred in the agricultural sector. Paddy crop, a critical harvest, on over 3 lakh acres lies submerged . Farmers, who were only a few weeks away from a projected bumper harvest, are now confronted with the harsh reality of complete crop destruction.

This not only imperils their livelihoods but also poses a threat to national food security, as Punjab is a major contributor of grains to the national reserve. Widespread livestock mortality has also been reported, which is a vital source of income for rural households.

The destruction of transportation networks, bridges and residential properties, has resulted in losses worth thousands of crores of rupees. For a state facing fiscal challenges, this disaster would burden the public exchequer further.

The floods also present a potential public health crisis. Even after the primary floodwaters have receded, waterlogging and stagnant pools become breeding grounds for mosquitoes, leading to a foreseeable surge in dengue and malaria cases.

Contamination of potable water sources carries the risk of waterborne diseases like cholera and typhoid. The long-term presence of flood debris and destruction of sanitation infrastructure can worsen these risks. Addressing these challenges necessitates immediate efforts, encompassing sanitation campaigns, provision of safe drinking water and public health initiatives.

However, the management of the crisis has brought to the fore a significant deficit in inter-agency and inter-state coordination. Despite the predictable nature of monsoons, the absence of a centralised command structure for flood response means that decisions, particularly concerning dam water releases, were often made in isolation without adequate communication to downstream communities.

This lack of coordinated efforts among various state departments, including irrigation, revenue and disaster management, has compounded the chaos, impeding timely evacuation and relief operations. It underlines the need for a proactive, long-term strategy that addresses the fundamental causes of the problem and the need for coordinated efforts.

Firstly, a review of dam management protocols is essential. The current system of dam water releases during peak flow periods should be replaced with a dynamic, data-driven approach. This should involve utilising advanced weather forecasting models and real-time monitoring of upstream water levels to facilitate phased and controlled water releases well before a potential crisis.

Furthermore, better cooperation between Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir is imperative to ensure synchronised water management.

Secondly, a state-wide project for desiltation and restoration of rivers and drainage channels is crucial. Encroachments on floodplains must be cleared systematically and a rigorous land-use policy enforced to protect the natural buffers. Concurrently, a robust urban drainage system must be developed to manage surface runoff, thereby preventing the increasingly common phenomenon of urban flash floods.

Thirdly, the state must develop a robust and farmer-centric crop insurance policy. The existing ad-hoc compensation model, while well-intentioned, is often insufficient and slow in reaching the most vulnerable farmers. A thorough insurance programme would offer a crucial financial safety net against climate-driven crop failures and reduce the fiscal strain on the state during crises.

Finally, public awareness and community-level disaster preparedness programmes are needed. Empowering local communities with the knowledge of early warning systems, evacuation procedures and first-aid skills can reduce the loss of life and property. Government schemes like 'Aapda Mitra' should be scaled up.

The solutions are not simple; they necessitate political will, financial commitment and a collaborative spirit to transform Punjab from a state that merely endures floods to one that is resilient to them.

Seema Bathla is Professor, Centre for the Study of Regional Development, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi and Ravi Kiran is Assistant Professor, Government College, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Punjab.