New Delhi, March 30: Member of Parliament Satnam Singh Sandhu addressed the Rajya Sabha on Monday to demand immediate federal assistance for Punjab as the state struggles to recover from the devastating floods of 2025. Sandhu called upon the central government to establish a Comprehensive Punjab Flood Resilience and Water Security Plan to prevent future loss of life and property.
The MP stated that the state remains in a precarious position following the 2023-2025 flood cycle, which resulted in more than 80 deaths and the loss of 3 lakh cattle. He affirmed that without improved water management, the recurring natural disasters would soon transform into an unprecedented civil crisis that would be nearly impossible to contain.
MP Sandhu specifically pointed toward the deteriorating storage capacity of the Bhakra Dam as a primary concern. He noted that sedimentation has significantly reduced the reservoir’s effectiveness, with silt occupying approximately 2 billion cubic meters of the original 9 billion cubic meter capacity.
“The sedimentation in our dams is the greatest threat to our water management system,” Sandhu declared during the session. He further asserted that the Govind Sagar Lake has seen silt accumulation reaching depths of 100 to 200 feet, meaning even minor rainfall could now trigger major flooding events.
To combat these challenges, the MP proposed a modernization of the state’s monitoring infrastructure. He maintained that the integration of satellite mapping, AI-based rainfall modeling, and digital alert systems is essential for early warning. He also suggested the use of RCC lining and high-speed sheet protection to reinforce riverbeds and prevent breaches caused by illegal mining and encroachments.
“We have only four months remaining before the next flood season begins,” Sandhu remarked, noting that the window for preventive action is rapidly closing.
