Reservoir levels stable in Punjab, no flood threat: Water Resources Minister Goyal

Punjab Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal on Monday informed the Legislative Assembly that water reservoir levels across the state remain stable, and there is currently no flood-like situation in the state. He assured that the state government has implemented comprehensive preparedness measures to handle all potential scenarios.

Responding to a Call Attention Motion moved by MLA Rana Inder Pratap Singh regarding flood risks in low-lying areas due to rising reservoir levels, the Minister said that as of July 10, 2025, water levels in major reservoirs remain well within safe limits.

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Providing details, he said that the Bhakra dam level currently stands at 1590.48 ft as compared to 1614.89 ft on July 10, 2023, during the floods that year. The Pong dam is at 1325.48 ft, lower than 1350.63 ft recorded on the same date in 2023. The Ranjit Sagar Dam is at 505.41 meters as compared to 520.2 meters in July 2023.

He emphasized that all three reservoirs are operating safely, maintaining ample buffer below danger levels. The Minister highlighted that the Water Resources Department has proactively implemented extensive flood mitigation measures.

He said that the government has sanctioned ₹204.5 crore for flood protection initiatives. A total of 599 projects have been undertaken, using funds from the State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF), MGNREGA, and departmental allocations.

Further, he informed the House that over 4,766 kilometers of drains have been desilted using departmental machinery. Embankments have been strengthened under SDMF. 8.76 lakh EC bags have been procured, with 2.42 lakh bags filled and stored across districts.

Additionally, the government has planted 53,400 bamboo plants, constructed 1,044 check dams, built 3,957 soak pits, and planted vetiver grass along 294 kilometers to enhance soil stability and erosion control.

Goyal said that control rooms are operational across Punjab, emergency response teams are on standby, and real-time monitoring of rivers and drains is underway in all vulnerable areas.

He reiterated that reservoir levels are well below critical limits and affirmed that robust ground-level systems and contingency planning are in place to swiftly and effectively respond to any emerging flood threat.