In the span of a month, Punjab has faced two major flooding incidents, underscoring the need for effective water management. Canalisation, a crucial strategy, can play a pivotal role in flood prevention by regulating water flow and bolstering the state’s resilience.
Causes and Consequences
Punjab’s recent encounters with flooding have been twofold. Initially, the surge in rainfall across Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh triggered an inundation of Punjab’s rivers. Subsequently, heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh led to the overflow of major dams, posing a considerable risk to Punjab during its rainy season. This double jeopardy underscores the importance of proactive flood management.
Hydrological Network: The Rivers and Streams
Punjab is crisscrossed by three perennial rivers – Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi – as well as two rivulets, the eastern (Chitti) and western (Holy) Beins. Additionally, the state relies on two non-perennial monsoon rivers, Ghaggar and Chaki, and 16 major seasonal streams in various districts. Minor seasonal rivulets, known as choes and khads, also contribute to the monsoon water flow. Experts highlight the significance of these water sources, especially rivers originating from Himachal and Jammu & Kashmir, which bring substantial monsoon water to Punjab.
Challenges in River Regulation and Canalisation
The unchecked release of water from dams, particularly when at full capacity, poses a significant threat to downstream regions. Effective river regulation and canalisation are essential to address this challenge. Canalisation entails directing water flow through channels, incorporating mini dams for regulation, establishing interconnections between rivers and canal systems, and reinforcing embankments as required.
Current Status and Gaps in Canalisation
Punjab is equipped with major dams, such as the Bhakra Nangal Dam on the Sutlej, Pong Dam on the Beas, and Ranjit Sagar or Thien Dam on the Ravi. Additionally, Dhussi Bandhs, earthen embankments, line these rivers. However, their susceptibility to breaches, even during moderate increases in river flow, underscores their limitations. While some districts possess small earthen dams, many local rivulets, rainwater drains, and Nullhas lack proper canalisation, exacerbating flood risks.
Solution: Navigating Floods
Both recent floods in Punjab were driven by overflowing rivers and waterways. The first flood event, occurring on July 9 and July 10, was induced by heavy regional rainfall, causing uncontrolled rivers, Nadis, rivulets, and Nullahs to overflow into the Sutlej and Ghaggar rivers. In the second incident, starting August 15, local rainfall was minimal. However, unrelenting rainfall in Himachal filled the Bhakra Nangal and Pong dams, compelling the release of substantial water downstream into Punjab.
Strategic Canalisation and Resilience
To avert future flood disasters, the Punjab Water Resources Department’s drainage wing suggests comprehensive canalisation strategies. These strategies entail not only yearly enhancements of Dhussi Bandhs but also their extension to 30 to 40 feet. These long-term initiatives could significantly mitigate flood risks. In essence, Punjab’s vulnerability underscores the urgency of canalisation efforts, which could effectively address both local rainfall and dam releases.
UPSC Mains Questions
- Explain the factors that contributed to Punjab’s recent flooding incidents. How did the sources of flooding differ between the two events?
- Why are perennial and non-perennial rivers originating from Himachal and Jammu & Kashmir significant for Punjab’s water network? How do these rivers contribute to flood risks?
- In what ways does canalisation address the challenges posed by dam releases and local rainfall in flood-prone regions like Punjab? What strategies can be employed for effective canalisation?