Sutlej River Floods: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann directed ministers to visit flood-hit areas

Chandigarh, Punjab: Several villages have been inundated by floodwaters as the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) releases water into the Sutlej River. The rising water levels have prompted significant rescue and relief operations, with the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann himself directing his ministers to visit the affected regions.

The crisis began when the water level in Gobind Sagar lake, the reservoir of the Bhakra dam, reached close to its optimal capacity of 1,680 feet. This prompted the BBMB to release more water into the Sutlej River, exacerbating the already alarming flood scenario. The surge in water levels severely affected villages such as Bela Dhiani, Harsa Bela, Palasi, Bhanam, and several others. These villages had already faced floods the previous month due to torrential rains in mid-July.

The intensifying flood situation can be attributed to incessant rainfall in the catchment area of the Bhakra dam in Himachal Pradesh. The water level in the Gobind Sagar lake had risen to 1677.91 feet, accompanied by an inflow of 1,03,000 cusecs. Subsequently, the BBMB authorities released one lakh cusecs of water into the Sutlej River, leading to further floods downstream. However, this action slightly lowered the reservoir’s water level to 1677.7 feet.

In the midst of this crisis, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann took swift action. He directed his ministers to visit flood-hit areas and dispatched teams of the NDRF to aid in the rescue and relief operations. Despite the challenges posed by recurring floods, the government remains resolute in its commitment to ensure the safety and well-being of the affected population.

As the regions grapple with the aftermath of devastating floods, the collaboration between government bodies and disaster response teams stands as a testament to human resilience and solidarity. The urgency of the situation has prompted swift action, with authorities and officials working tirelessly to alleviate the suffering of the affected villagers. Through these trying times, the Punjab government’s response reflects its dedication to safeguarding its citizens and upholding their well-being in the face of natural calamities.