Desilt reservoirs, strengthen bundhs & regulate dam flow

Invest in flood prevention

The years 1988 and 2025 stand out as two of the most catastrophic in Punjab’s history, marked by severe floods and mass destruction. The government is now investing crores of rupees to restore normalcy, but the critical question remains: if this enormous amount had been allocated earlier to learning from past disasters and preventing future ones, could lives and property have been saved? One of the main causes behind these seemingly natural calamities is a combination of excessive rainfall and human interference. To address the rain-related component, the state could have installed large-scale rainwater harvesting systems and wells in high-risk rainfall zones, supported by advanced rainfall forecasting technologies. Furthermore, strategically constructed protective walls around riverbanks could serve as buffers for nearby citizens and agricultural lands, preventing overflow and providing crucial response time during such events. These measures, if implemented proactively, could significantly enhance Punjab’s readiness for future unforeseen calamities and reduce the severity of disasters.

Lakshit Jindal

Government must act swiftly

Daily reports of distress and devastation from flood-affected areas are triggering widespread public anger. The constant scenes of suffering raise serious concerns about the hardships faced by those directly impacted. One can only imagine the trauma, loss and uncertainty these communities are enduring. Such recurring disasters highlight the urgent need for a thorough investigation into their root causes. The government must take immediate and effective action, not only to provide relief but also to implement long-term solutions. Preventive measures, better infrastructure and timely response systems are essential to ensure that such tragedies do not repeat in the future.

Parveen Kumar

Floods destroy livelihoods, futures

People in flood-hit areas have lost their only source of livelihood as their paddy fields lie destroyed, leaving them burdened with mounting debts. It is truly heart-breaking to witness and hear such stories of suffering and despair. Many now live in fear, unsure if they will even be able to sow wheat for the next season. This raises serious questions—who is responsible for this crisis? Could the authorities not have done more to prevent or mitigate such devastation? It is imperative that strong, long-term measures are taken to ensure that such large-scale destruction does not happen again.

Nancy Bhandari

Prioritise solutions over temporary fixes

Recurring floods continue to devastate the lives of countless people year after year. Despite crores of rupees being spent on relief and rehabilitation efforts, the root causes of these disasters remain largely unaddressed. It is disheartening that proactive measures were not taken earlier to identify and resolve the underlying issues. Instead of reacting to each flood as it comes, there should have been a clear, long-term strategy focused on prevention, sustainable infrastructure, and effective water management. The lack of proper planning and timely action has only increased the vulnerability of affected communities. Now, with significant financial resources being allocated, authorities must prioritise permanent solutions over temporary fixes. This includes scientific assessments, improved drainage systems, early warning mechanisms, and stricter regulations on construction in flood-prone areas. Ensuring that such disasters do not continue to impact lives in the future is not just a necessity—it is a responsibility.

Sachin Malhotra

Rapid relief mechanism needed

Natural calamities strike without warning and Punjab, along with nearby northern states, is currently reeling from a devastating flood crisis reminiscent of 1988. Triggered by cloudbursts and rain, the deluge has left hundreds of families homeless, their homes turned to rubble and personal belongings washed away. Vast tracts of standing crops have been decimated and countless cattle have perished in the swelling rivers and streams.

The affected population urgently requires both immediate relief and sustainable government intervention. While voluntary organisations have stepped in to ease the suffering, a structured, long-term government response is essential. Recently, the Prime Minister announced a Rs 1,600 crore relief package from the National Disaster Relief Fund, aimed at mitigating the Rs 20,000 crore losses sustained in housing, agriculture and livestock.

However, there is a pressing demand for a formal mechanism to ensure timely disbursement of interim relief instead of waiting for exhaustive damage assessments. Moreover, while NGOs and locals are actively assisting those stranded, relief distribution remains uneven, especially in remote and inaccessible regions. One hopes both the government and civil society will act promptly, pooling resources and coordinating efforts to ensure equitable aid distribution. Proactive investment in identifying flood causes and strengthening infrastructure is crucial—reactive spending post-disaster must give way to preventive planning.

Nirmaljit Singh Chatrath

Proactive flood planning missing

Floods have once again ravaged Punjab and despite crores pouring in from across the country as relief funds—and celebrities and influencers joining the cause—very little has changed since the 2023 floods. If anything, the situation has worsened, exposing the glaring absence of long-term planning and preparedness. Authorities seem to wait for disasters to unfold before reacting. Had the money been invested earlier in prevention, lives and homes could have been saved. The floods have caused widespread destruction and much of this could have been avoided through proper drainage systems, timely sewer maintenance and a robust flood control infrastructure. The tragedy is not in the natural disaster alone, but in the repeated failure to learn from past experiences. Safety measures are often ignored until calamity strikes, after which emergency relief efforts begin—without any strategic foresight for the future. The approach must change. A proactive mind-set and consistent planning are essential to mitigating damage from floods. Unfortunately, the same mistakes are repeated year after year, showing a grave lack of commitment to meaningful change.

Shashi Kiran

Restore mechanical flood units

Punjab has long witnessed cyclical flooding, historically occurring every 33–35 years. This time, however, the interval has stretched to 37 years, with the current floods echoing the devastation of 1988. Previously, the Irrigation Department—now the Water Resources Department—conducted regular meetings, floated tenders for river bund protection and implemented safety measures like stone crate installations by June 30 each year. In those days, three Mechanical Divisions operated year-round, using heavy earth-moving machinery (e.g., draglines) to clear slush from ponds, drains and rivulets, enabling smooth rainwater flow. Officers from that era may now be retired, but their experience remains invaluable. The state government should consult them for future flood-prevention strategies. The Water Resources Department should re-establish mechanical workshops to fabricate boats and machinery parts internally and maintain a consistent year-long operation. Recruiting drivers and technical staff to operate these machines will help prevent drain blockages and manage water flow efficiently. Additionally, sand extraction zones in riverbeds must be clearly marked by authorities to avoid alterations in river course and bridge damage during floods. Current floodwaters have severely damaged households, agricultural produce and fertile lands, now buried under sand. The Punjab Government has announced Rs 20,000 per acre for farmers to remove sand from fields and sell it. PM Narendra Modi has sanctioned Rs 1,600 crore in financial assistance. It is now up to the Punjab Government to implement lasting, effective measures to shield its people from future flooding.

Rajat Kumar Mohindru

Concrete embankments are crucial

The age-old adage, “Prevention is better than cure,” holds especially true in light of the catastrophic floods currently devastating Punjab and adjoining areas. No scale of relief can compensate for the innocent lives lost. What’s more disturbing is the lack of serious pre-monsoon efforts or a comprehensive strategic plan by successive governments—both state and central. One critical long-term solution is the effective management of hydroelectric dams. This includes regular desilting of reservoirs and developing scientific models for controlled water release to prevent floods and protect dam integrity. Significant funds must be allocated to construct and maintain river embankments, linked to an efficient drainage and water pooling system. In locations prone to breaches, permanent concrete embankments should be built without delay. Simultaneously, all illegal activities around rivers and rivulets—especially those contributing to riverbed degradation and flow disruption—must be eradicated. A dedicated task force should be established by the state to enforce regulations and prevent such encroachments. Preventive action, not reactionary relief, is the only way forward if we hope to safeguard lives, infrastructure and the economy from future flood-related disasters.

Jagdish Chander

Prioritise prevention, not repairs

Every year, the conversation around strengthening embankments begins only after the monsoon rains have already caused rivers to swell, putting bundhs at risk. Instead of reacting to damage after it occurs, the government should proactively spend months in advance preparing to prevent it. Flood-hit farmers face the same crisis annually—water entering homes and villages, destroying lives and livelihoods and severely impacting the state economy. A comprehensive disaster prevention plan must be created and executed every year to mitigate the damage. This would go a long way in protecting farmers and preserving economic stability.

Sukhmani Kaur

Start desilting without delay

Floods are now a predictable annual threat for Mand and riverside areas. The state can no longer afford to delay urgent measures like desilting and strengthening both dhussi and advance bundhs. These actions must be taken up on a war footing before the monsoon begins. Given the increasing water levels and rising damage each year, the government should consider forming a special department focused solely on flood management. Past mistakes have cost farmers dearly; repeating them would be inexcusable.

Santosh Kumari

View Punjab, Himachal together

Punjab's vulnerability to floods has worsened due to climate change and rampant construction in Himachal Pradesh. Flash floods and erratic weather are no longer isolated events—they are interconnected across state borders. Yet, Punjab and Himachal’s flood issues are often tackled separately, leading to short-term fixes rather than sustainable solutions. For long-term impact, both states must collaborate on infrastructure and policy. Deforestation and hill-cutting in Himachal are leading causes of excess water and silt flowing into Punjab. Addressing these root issues together will lead to more effective flood management.

Vikrant Chaddha

Adopt nature-friendly flood-control methods

The state must learn from this year’s floods and begin working immediately on long-term, fool proof solutions for next year. Instead of relying on widespread concretisation, which has already shown its limits, Punjab needs to adopt sustainable, nature-friendly flood control methods. Additionally, strong policies must ensure that river catchment areas are protected and not turned into colonies. Respecting natural ecosystems is key to preventing recurring disasters in the future.

Suman Bala