Punjab’s Water Resources Minister, Mr. Barinder Goyal, today reviewed the ongoing flood protection arrangements at the Dhussi embankment of the Ravi river near BOP Shahpur in district Amritsar. On the occasion, MLA Ajnala, S. Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, along with Superintending Engineer Mr. Jagdish Raj, Executive Engineer Mr. Vishwapal Goyal, and Sub-Divisional Officer S. Satnam Singh from the Water Resources Department, were also present.
It may be noted that during last year’s floods, the Dhussi embankment of the Ravi river near BOP Shahpur had suffered a breach. After plugging the breach, the Water Resources Department is now strengthening the embankment by pitching stones. An amount of ₹4 crore is being spent on flood protection works at this site.
Speaking to the media, Water Resources Minister Mr. Barinder Goyal said that the Punjab Government is actively working to minimize damage caused by floods or heavy rains during the monsoon season and to safeguard lives and property. He stated that ₹600 crore is being spent by the state government on flood prevention measures.
He further informed that after last year’s floods, the department constituted committees under the leadership of two Superintending Engineers for each of the four rivers. These committees identified 132 vulnerable points, where flood protection works are currently underway.
Some works have already been completed, and the remaining will be finished by June 30, 2026. The Minister added that during the previous monsoon season, 23 breaches had occurred in the Dhussi embankment of the Ravi river.
These have now been plugged and strengthened with stone pitching. In addition, desilting work in the river is being carried out on a war footing and will be completed before the monsoon season.
Cleaning of the Sakki Nallah is also in progress, along with other seasonal drains. Mr. Goyal further stated that the state government is procuring advanced amphibious machines from Finland to strengthen flood prevention, relief infrastructure, and cleaning of canals and drains.
These machines are capable of operating both in water and on land, and can perform deep desilting even in flowing water, making them highly effective for preventive measures and emergency response. He said that these multi-purpose machines will play a crucial role in flood management and relief operations.
On the occasion, MLA Ajnala S. Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal thanked Water Resources Minister Mr. Barinder Goyal and said that under his leadership, the department is ensuring timely completion of flood protection works. He added that several villages in the Ajnala constituency had suffered during last year’s floods, and the state government had extended full support to the affected people.
He reiterated that all flood protection measures are being completed before the monsoon and that the Punjab Government is committed to safeguarding lives and property.