After Four Decades, Punjab Submerged: Minister Goyal Points to BBMB’s Failures and Centre’s Reluctance

Punjab Flood Crisis :  Punjab’s Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal strongly criticized the Union Government, claiming its indifference intensified the state’s most catastrophic flood in nearly four decades. Speaking before the press at Punjab Bhawan, he argued that had the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) released reservoir water promptly in June, much of the destruction could have been averted. The Minister further expressed disappointment that despite lakhs of citizens suffering, the Prime Minister neither visited nor extended financial support, nor even addressed the crisis publicly.

Raising objections over Haryana’s stance, Goyal said the neighboring state was speaking with two voices. On one side, letters of assistance were being dispatched, while simultaneously another communication sought a reduction in Punjab’s monsoon water entitlement—from 7,900 to 6,250 cusecs—so that Haryana’s canals and population would remain secure. According to the Minister, this contradictory approach effectively abandoned Punjab during a time of unprecedented calamity.

BBMB Neglect Increased Punjab’s Misery

Minister Barinder Goyal directly held BBMB responsible for Punjab’s disaster, alleging that the authority completely ignored repeated requests for water release when the danger was clearly visible on the ground. He emphasized that June was the critical month when timely release could have saved Punjab from widespread damage, yet the gates remained shut and rivers swelled dangerously. The minister said Punjab was pushed into unnecessary tragedy because of inaction, and thousands of families were left stranded without protection.

He added that the delayed release of water converted a manageable situation into uncontrollable devastation. He firmly blamed the board for aggravating the losses which could have been prevented. This negligence, he said, shows absolute failure of responsibility at the highest level. Along with damage to property and crops, even a departmental employee lost his life.

 Private Certification Exposed As Entirely False

The minister further criticized a private company that had certified Madhopur Headworks gates, declaring them strong enough to handle 6.25 lakh cusecs of water during floods. He revealed that this certification was absolutely misleading because the gates collapsed under nearly half that load, exposing the flawed assessment. The sudden failure of the gates released uncontrolled water, worsening the already fragile situation across Punjab.

This technical collapse directly contributed to massive flooding across villages, towns, and farmland. The minister described the episode as an example of how wrong technical reports can cost lives. He added that trust in private agencies has been shaken by this failure. The death of an employee during the collapse underlined how dangerous negligence can become.

Negligent Firm Faces Immediate Government Action

Goyal said this blunder cannot be ignored and must be treated as an unforgivable mistake against the people of Punjab. He confirmed that a strict legal notice has been served to the company responsible for the flawed certification. The government has initiated formal action to hold the firm accountable for its negligence. He added that the public deserves justice and assurance that such lapses will never be repeated.

Officials said the government is determined to ensure accountability and transparency in the inquiry. The minister stressed that without punishment, confidence in institutions will completely collapse. The company will face strictest possible action under the law.

Punjab Endures Worst Flood In History

Heavy rains in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir poured massive amounts of water into Punjab’s rivers. Uncontrolled flows from drains and ravines added to the already rising water levels of the rivers. These uncontrolled streams merged with regulated water, creating an unstoppable surge across districts.

The minister said Punjab is facing the worst flood in its recorded history, worse even than 1988. Seven districts have already seen massive devastation with crops, homes, and livestock destroyed. He said this calamity has broken all past records of rainfall and flooding. Punjab today is battling a humanitarian crisis on an unimaginable scale.

Ravi River Flow Broke All Records

The Ravi river, which carried 11.20 lakh cusecs in 1988, has now reached 14.11 lakh cusecs this year. The Ranjit Sagar Dam released only 2.15 lakh cusecs, while the rest came from catchment areas of three states. Uncontrolled inflows from Himachal, Jammu & Kashmir and Punjab multiplied the flood volume dramatically.

The floodwater surged downstream into Beas and Sutlej rivers, spreading destruction further. As a result, four additional districts beyond Ravi’s banks also came under severe flooding. Standing crops worth crores have been completely ruined by this overflow. Thousands of families have been displaced from their ancestral homes.

Relief Operations Rescued Thousands From Disaster

Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann personally monitored the state’s emergency relief operations. More than 11,300 people were safely evacuated from submerged villages and towns. Eighty-seven relief camps were quickly established to provide food, medicines, and shelter. Government ensured that every affected person received timely care and assistance. About 110 people were airlifted with the support of NDRF, SDRF, and Army units. The minister said saving lives remains the top priority above everything else. From senior officials to local volunteers, every arm of government worked on the ground.

Animals Safely Shifted With Adequate Fodder

The government also organized large-scale evacuation of livestock from submerged areas. Thousands of animals were shifted to sheds and safe shelters in Ferozepur and Fazilka. Market committee premises were converted into relief shelters for cattle. Government and NGOs jointly arranged large supplies of fodder for them. The minister said animals cannot cry for help like humans, so their care is our duty. Special veterinary teams were sent to check health conditions of rescued animals. No animal, he assured, was left neglected in this rescue mission.

Minister Appeals For Unity Across Parties

Replying to opposition criticism, Goyal said this is not the time for political accusations or blame games. He appealed to all political, religious and social leaders to rise above party interests. The minister stressed that relief work needs collective effort, not divisions. He urged everyone to work together to protect Punjab in this critical hour. He also pressed the demand that states must be allowed to assess damage themselves. States, he said, understand the ground realities better than the Centre. Senior officers including Chief Engineer Jitendra Pal Singh attended the meeting.