FLOODS IN PUNJAB
Context:
- Punjab faced severe flooding in July–September 2025 due to unprecedented inflows into the Beas River, especially from its catchment area in Himachal Pradesh.
- The Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) was forced to release water downstream, triggering a political and administrative debate on flood management and inter-state coordination.
KEY FACTS & DATA
| Category | Details |
| Rivers Affected | – Beas River (main cause of flooding)
– Sutlej River (also saw high inflow but less critical) |
| Dams Involved | – Pong Dam (on Beas River)
– Bhakra Dam (on Sutlej River) |
| Beas River Inflow (2025) | 11.70 BCM (Highest ever recorded inflow) |
| Pong Dam Storage Capacity | 5.5 BCM only
Could not handle 11.7 BCM inflow, hence water had to be released downstream |
| Previous Beas Inflow (for comparison) | – 2023: 9.52 BCM
– 1988: 7.94 BCM – 2019: 5.00 BCM Shows how extreme the 2025 situation was |
| Bhakra Dam Inflow (2025) | 9.11 BCM
(High but not unprecedented — in 1988 and 2023, it was 9.52 and 9.45 BCM respectively) |
| Silt Accumulation (Bhakra) | 25% of dam’s storage blocked by silt
➤ Reduces effective water-holding capacity |
WHAT MADE 2025 FLOODS SO SEVERE?
1. Unprecedented Rainfall
- The catchment areas in Himachal Pradesh (which feed the Beas and Sutlej rivers) received exceptionally high rainfall, far above seasonal norms.
- This led to the highest-ever inflow in the Beas River — a record-breaking 11.70 BCM between July and early September.
2. Overwhelmed Dam Infrastructure
- The Pong Dam, with a capacity of only 5.5 BCM, was overwhelmed by the sudden inflow.
- The Bhakra Dam on Sutlej also received high inflow (9.11 BCM), though not unprecedented.
- With no room to store excess water, BBMB was forced to release it downstream, triggering floods in Punjab and parts of Himachal.
3. Reduced Storage Due to Silt
- Around 25% of Bhakra Dam’s capacity is now occupied by silt due to years of delayed desilting.
- Silt accumulation has significantly reduced the effective capacity of both dams, compromising their flood-control function.
- BBMB cited lack of coordination with partner states as the main obstacle to planned desilting.
4. Inadequate Flood Preparedness
- BBMB claimed it issued early warnings to partner states about water releases.
- However, state governments reportedly failed to reinforce embankments or improve local drainage, worsening the flood impact.
POLITICAL & INTERSTATE ISSUES
🔹 Allegations Against BBMB:
- Accused by Punjab and Himachal Pradesh political parties for releasing excess water without proper planning.
🔹 BBMB’s Defense:
- Claimed releases were forecast-based and states were notified.
- Emphasized dams prevented early flooding in June.
🔹 Punjab vs. Haryana Water Dispute:
- Pre-monsoon: Punjab refused to share water from Bhakra, citing Haryana had used its share.
- BBMB clarified: Even if Punjab had released water earlier, it would have only reduced dam level by 3 feet, which was not significant.
DESILTING CHALLENGES
- Problem: Dam capacities reduced due to silt.
- Obstacle: Desilting requires dams to be emptied.
- State Inaction: Himachal Pradesh’s mining department objected to dam emptying earlier.
- Recent Development: Himachal has now agreed to cooperate.
SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT
| Recommendation | Explanation |
| Create a National Dam Desiltation Policy | To ensure consistent action across states |
| Review BBMB Protocols | Include third-party audits and public transparency reports |
| Strengthen River Embankments | States must identify vulnerable areas and act before monsoon |
| Use Satellite Monitoring | For real-time silt and inflow tracking |
| Public Awareness & Evacuation Plans | Must be standardized in flood-prone districts |
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