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Inside Punjab's Flood Fight: How River Cleanup Will Protect State

Punjab's government is taking serious steps to protect the state from future floods through permanent solutions. The plan involves cleaning, deepening, and widening the Ravi and Sutlej rivers while seeking central permission for the Beas river. Minister Cheema strongly opposes giving permanent BBMB membership to other states, calling it an injustice to Punjab. Meanwhile, the government continues development work with new projects worth Rs 11.46 crore in Dirba constituency.

Key Points: Punjab Minister Cheema Announces Permanent Flood Protection Plan

  • Ravi and Sutlej rivers to be cleaned, deepened and widened for flood control
  • 28 critical locations identified along Beas river requiring urgent cleaning
  • Punjab opposes permanent BBMB membership for Himachal and Rajasthan states
  • Rs 11.46 crore development projects inaugurated in Dirba constituency
  • 13-km pipeline to address water table issues in Chhajli village
  • Contractors required to maintain new rural roads for five years
2 min read

Govt serious about protecting Punjab from floods permanently, says minister Cheema

Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Cheema reveals river cleanup initiative for permanent flood protection, opposes BBMB changes, and launches Rs 11.46 crore development projects.

"The government is committed to meeting public expectations with honest intentions, ensuring no compromise on the quality of development projects. - Harpal Singh Cheema"

Chandigarh, Oct 14

Punjab’s Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Tuesday announced that the government is serious about protecting the state from floods permanently.

To this end, plans are in place to clean, deepen, and widen the Ravi and Sutlej rivers, which fall under the state’s jurisdiction, while permission has been sought from the Central Government to clean the Beas river, designated as a Ramsar site, he informed.

Speaking to reporters in Dirba, Cheema highlighted the significant losses suffered by Punjab due to floods in 2023 and 2025, emphasising that desilting the rivers is a critical need to ensure long-term flood protection. He said 28 locations along the Beas river requiring urgent cleaning have been identified and urged the Central government to provide maximum support for this initiative.

Cheema opposed the Central government’s proposal to grant permanent membership to Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan in the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), calling it an injustice to Punjab’s people that would not be tolerated.

He affirmed the Punjab government would not allow other states to gain control over the BBMB. Cheema presented a Diwali gift to the residents of the Dirba Assembly constituency by laying foundation stones and inaugurating development projects of Rs 11.46 crore. These include a Rs 2.5 crore canal water project in Chhajli village, connecting farmers’ fields to canal water via a 13-km pipeline to address the issue of defunct tube wells due to a deepening water table.

Addressing various events, Cheema said under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s leadership, the government has been working for the state’s all-around development over the past three and a half years.

He emphasised efforts to strengthen healthcare, education, and infrastructure, noting that previous governments’ flawed policies had hindered progress.

“The government is committed to meeting public expectations with honest intentions, ensuring no compromise on the quality of development projects. For the first time, contractors will maintain the new rural roads for five years,” the minister said.

Cheema urged residents to monitor the projects to ensure satisfactory completion.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good to see the government standing firm on BBMB rights. Punjab's water resources belong to Punjabis first. Other states can't just claim permanent membership without proper consultation.
M
Michael C
The canal water project in Chhajli is a smart move. Groundwater levels are critically low across Punjab. Sustainable solutions like this are exactly what farmers need. Hope they expand this to more villages soon! 💧
S
Sarah B
While the intentions seem good, I'm concerned about the environmental impact of river cleaning. Beas is a Ramsar site - we need to ensure ecological balance isn't disturbed in the name of flood protection.
A
Arjun K
The 5-year maintenance clause for contractors is excellent! So many roads in our area get damaged within months of construction. This accountability will ensure quality work. Bas implementation acchi honi chahiye! 👍
N
Nisha Z
Diwali gift of development projects is nice, but let's hope this isn't just election season politics. We need consistent development work throughout the year, not just during festivals.

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