Punjab Cabinet Ministers Aman Arora and Barinder Kumar Goyal visited Makroar Sahib today to assess the situation caused by heavy rainfall and cloudbursts in hilly areas affecting the Ghaggar River. They were accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Rahul Chaba, SDM Moonak Suba Singh, and a large number of local residents.
Addressing the media, Ministers Arora and Goyal stated that incessant rains and cloudbursts in the hilly regions have severely impacted Punjab, leaving the state in a challenging situation. They emphasized that the Punjab Government is making continuous efforts to mitigate the crisis. Over 15,688 people have been safely evacuated to secure locations, with thousands of affected residents currently sheltered in relief camps. More than 1,000 villages across 12 districts are either submerged or heavily impacted, and approximately 94,000 hectares of agricultural land, including paddy fields nearing harvest, have been inundated.
Providing details about the Ghaggar River, the ministers noted that the current water flow is 12,000 cusecs, while the river’s capacity is 12,200 cusecs. The water level stands at 747.7 feet, just below the danger mark of 748 feet. They highlighted that in 2023, breaches occurred when the water level reached 753 feet, but all 15 breach points from that year have been fully reinforced. The situation this year is significantly better than 2023.
The ministers pointed out that the width of the Ghaggar River at Makroar Sahib is 598 feet, but it narrows to 198 feet downstream, causing water accumulation and potential breaches. Due to a stay order by the Supreme Court, obtained by the Haryana Government, the Punjab Government is unable to widen the river further.
Acknowledging the support and resilience of the local community, they urged all stakeholders to unite in supporting the affected population during this crisis. The ministers also shared that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has appealed to the Central Government to release ₹60,000 crore in pending funds to support farmers and rehabilitation efforts, and to increase compensation to ₹50,000 per acre.
They urged the Central Government to expedite the release of these funds for Punjab’s relief. In response to the current flood situation and rising water levels in the Ghaggar River, Deputy Commissioner Sangrur, Rahul Chaba, has ordered night patrolling (Thikri Pehra) along the riverbanks in the district.
To ensure the safety of surrounding areas, the riverbanks are being strengthened with sandbags and jumbo bags at 15 vulnerable points. Special teams, comprising irrigation and revenue department staff and local villagers, have been formed to monitor these sensitive locations from evening to morning. Additionally, the Deputy Commissioner has directed police patrolling along the riverbanks at night.
The Deputy Commissioner warned that any miscreants attempting to damage the riverbanks or flood protection infrastructure will face strict legal action, with no tolerance for such activities. Offenders will face severe consequences. He appealed to the residents of Sangrur district to avoid visiting or wandering near the Ghaggar riverbanks.
Public cooperation is essential to ensure smooth water drainage and prevent untoward incidents. Residents are advised to stay vigilant and, in case of emergencies, contact the Irrigation Department at 87250-29785 or the District Administration at 01672-234196.