Rising Water Levels Spark Evacuation
The Ropar administration on Wednesday issued an urgent warning to residents living near the Satluj river after heavy rain in Himachal Pradesh forced large-scale water release from the Bhakra Dam. Authorities said the discharge is being raised from 65,000 to 75,000 cusecs, putting several villages in the Nangal area at risk.
By Wednesday morning, the water level at the dam stood just two feet below the danger mark, prompting officials to launch evacuation efforts in vulnerable areas. The most threatened are the Bela villages situated along the natural flow of the Satluj.
The list of affected villages includes Harsa Bela, Bela Ramgarh, Bela Dhiani Upper, Bela Dhiani Lower, Sensowal, Elegra, Bela Shiv Singh, Bhalan, Bhanam, Singhpura, Plasi, Taraf Majara, and Majari. Many of these villages have already been cut off by rising waters, forcing residents to relocate to safer zones.
Punjab Declares Statewide Flood Emergency
In a significant development, all 23 districts of Punjab have now been officially declared flood-hit. This move activates emergency measures under the Disaster Management Act, allowing district administrations to respond quickly without waiting for higher-level approvals.
Chief Secretary KAP Sinha issued an order empowering deputy commissioners to take immediate decisions in case of emergencies. The floods have already destroyed standing crops across more than 4 lakh acres, deepening the state’s agrarian crisis.
The scale of the flooding has placed enormous pressure on Punjab’s relief and rehabilitation systems. State authorities are working with rescue teams, local panchayats, and volunteers to ensure that affected communities receive shelter, food, and medical aid.
Embankment Damage Adds to Risks
Alongside the flooding, heavy rain has caused damage to embankments of the BBMB-managed Nangal Hydel Canal at nine locations. This structural damage poses a severe risk of canal breach, which could worsen the crisis for downstream villages.
Villagers have stepped in to assist the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) in emergency repair efforts. According to reports, the canal’s concrete lining was damaged at three sites after partner states requested a sudden reduction in water flow. Experts note that such abrupt changes in flow, particularly during monsoon rains, put additional stress on the canal structure.
Similarly, embankments of the Anandpur Sahib Hydel Canal have also suffered damage. To address the issue, villagers, supported by a kar seva group from Kila Anandgarh Sahib, are carrying out urgent repair work.
Government and Community Response
Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain on high alert and to cooperate with evacuation efforts. The Punjab government, in coordination with local administrations, has set up relief camps and activated 24-hour emergency helplines for stranded families.
Volunteers from community organizations and religious groups have also joined relief operations, providing food, shelter, and manpower for embankment repair. Their efforts are proving crucial as thousands of people face displacement.
Officials stressed that timely action is key. With continuous rainfall predicted, the risk of further flooding remains high. Residents have been advised to avoid traveling in low-lying areas and report any breaches or damages to local authorities immediately.
Outlook
The escalating situation in Punjab reflects the growing challenges of extreme weather and fragile infrastructure. With all districts declared flood-hit, the state faces both immediate rescue needs and long-term recovery planning.
Experts warn that unless embankments are reinforced and water management systems improved, such crises may become more frequent. For now, the priority remains ensuring safety for families living along the swollen Satluj river.