Punjab is facing one of its worst floods in recent history in 2025. All 23 districts have been declared flood-hit. Over 1,900 villages are submerged, affecting nearly 3.8 lakh people and destroying more than 11.7 lakh hectares of farmland. The northern district of Gurdaspur is the worst affected. Punjab’s floods have also impacted neighbouring Punjab in Pakistan, displacing over 9 lakh people and causing numerous deaths. The region’s geography and human factors contribute to its vulnerability.
Geographical and Hydrological Context
Punjab lies in the fertile plains of five rivers – Ravi, Beas, Sutlej, Ghaggar, and several smaller tributaries. These rivers originate in the Himalayas and bring rich alluvial soil, making Punjab a major agricultural hub. However, monsoon rains and upstream catchment areas in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir cause these rivers to swell seasonally. The state relies on earthen embankments called dhussi bundhs for flood defence, but heavy rainfall often overwhelms them.
Recent Rainfall and Flood Events
Recently, heavy rain in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir caused the Beas and Ravi rivers to overflow. The Madhopur Barrage on the Ravi was damaged, releasing a massive flow that flooded districts including Pathankot and Gurdaspur. Southern Punjab’s Malwa region suffered severe waterlogging due to intense local rainfall. The Indian Meteorological Department recorded over 45% excess rainfall in Punjab and neighbouring states this year.
Role of Dams and Reservoirs
Punjab’s three major dams—Bhakra on the Sutlej, Pong on the Beas, and Thein (Ranjit Sagar) on the Ravi—regulate river flows. They are managed by different authorities, including the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) and Punjab’s Irrigation Department. During extreme rainfall, reservoirs fill rapidly and water must be released to prevent dam overtopping. This controlled release, however, can cause downstream flooding. Recently, inflows were exceptionally high, forcing large water releases.
Management Challenges and Governance Issues
Punjab has criticised the BBMB for maintaining high reservoir levels during monsoon to ensure irrigation and power generation, leaving little buffer for floods. The Board’s delayed warnings and sudden water releases have worsened flood impacts. The Centre’s 2022 amendment allowing non-Punjab officers in BBMB leadership has increased tensions. Coordination failures also occurred within Punjab’s own departments, exemplified by the Madhopur Barrage gate destruction due to poor communication.
Infrastructure and Environmental Concerns
The state’s flood defences rely heavily on dhussi bundhs, which have weakened due to illegal mining and lack of maintenance. Experts stress the need to strengthen embankments and desilt river bottlenecks to improve water flow. Estimates suggest that investing Rs 4,000–5,000 crore in such measures could reduce flood damage . Yet, governments often respond only after floods occur, delaying proactive action.
Punjab’s Agricultural and Societal Impact
Punjab produces about 20% of India’s wheat and 12% of its rice from just 1.5% of the country’s land. Floods destroy vast tracts of farmland, threatening food security and rural livelihoods. The displacement of people and loss of life add to the crisis. Managing the delicate balance between harnessing river resources and mitigating flood risks remains important challenge for Punjab’s future.
Questions for UPSC:
- Discuss in the light of recent events the challenges of flood management in riverine states like Punjab and the role of inter-state and central agencies.
- Critically examine the impact of dam reservoir management on downstream flood risks with reference to the Bhakra Beas Management Board and similar bodies.
- Explain the importance of maintaining natural and artificial flood defences such as embankments and wetlands, and discuss their role in sustainable water management.
- With suitable examples, discuss the socio-economic consequences of recurring floods on agricultural states and suggest policy measures for resilience and disaster preparedness.
