Harjot Bains Inspects Potential Flood-Prone Areas near Satluj River
Bahadurjeet Singh/Nangal, May 29,2025
Ahead of the monsoon season, Punjab Cabinet Minister and local MLA Harjot Singh Bains has been continuously inspecting flood-prone areas in the region over the past several days. During these visits, he has been reviewing the flood prevention arrangements and issuing necessary directives to the concerned officials.
Early this morning, Harjot Singh Bains reached the areas near the Satluj River by the villages of Bhallri, Nangran and Plassi to assess the riverbanks and the drainage channels. He directed officials to accelerate the pace of ongoing works.
Harjot Bains stated that during the monsoon season, heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh often leads to flash floods in the Swan River, which can create flood-like situations in this region. Additionally, the release of excess water from Bhakra Dam can worsen the situation. However, he said, effective measures have been put in place over the past 2–3 years. These include the strengthening of riverbanks, installation of embankments, studs, and protective barriers, as well as comprehensive cleaning of water channels to ensure smooth water flow.
He noted that last year these measures brought significant relief to the region and that even more robust arrangements are being made this time. The Punjab Government spent crores of rupees on these initiatives last year and continues to invest heavily this year as well.
During his visit, Bains also reviewed the construction of the Shaheed Hazara Singh Road in Bhallri and the renovation of the local cremation ground.
Bains highlighted a long-standing issue in the region: areas located near dams, rivers, canals, and lakes often lack adequate water for agriculture. He praised Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann for fighting a major battle to ensure Punjab farmers receive their rightful share of water, which was previously diverted to other states. He said that the state government successfully stopped BJP-led governments at the Centre and in other states from looting the rights of Punjab’s farmers.
Harjot Bains Inspects Potential Flood-Prone Areas near Satluj River. He explained that while these areas suffer from floods, farmers previously couldn’t use this water for irrigation. Now, through pipelines and lift irrigation schemes, the state is spending crores of rupees to deliver canal water directly to the fields. This will save costs related to groundwater extraction, motor maintenance, borewell upkeep, and help conserve electricity used by the state.
He added that the initiative will improve soil health, help raise the groundwater level, and reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, as canal water naturally contains essential minerals beneficial for crops.
