BBMB and Punjab Government fail to learn from last year’s disaster; threat of ‘government-induced flood’ looms again: S. Jagjit Singh Dallewal
-Water level in Bhakra Dam is 21.5 feet higher than last year; failure to release water in time amounts to administrative negligence: SKM (Non-Political). Appeal to riverside residents to stay alert; demand for cleaning drainage channels and strengthening weak embankments…
Chandigarh (Alexander D’Souza):
S. Jagjit Singh Dallewal, National Convener of Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) India and President of Bharatiya Kisan Union Ekta (Sidhupur), issued a press statement today sharply criticizing the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) and the Punjab government. He alleged that instead of learning lessons from last year’s devastating floods, Punjab is once again on the brink of severe flooding due to the gross negligence of both administrations.
Water level 21.5 feet higher than last year:
Citing technical protocols, S. Dallewal stated that water is usually released in a controlled manner before the onset of monsoon rains each year to lower the water level in the Bhakra Dam. However, this time, the BBMB and the Punjab government have acted contrary to the rules and stored more water than usual. Currently, the water level in the Bhakra Dam is approximately 21.5 feet higher than it was last year. He warned that similar mismanagement last year had caused a ‘government-induced flood,’ resulting in the loss of precious lives, the destruction of lakhs of acres of crops, and economic losses worth crores. The administration appears to be following the same disastrous policy this time as well.
Chief Minister’s statement inadequate; it will take a month and a half to normalize water levels
The farmer leader reacted strongly to Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s statement regarding the release of half a foot of water daily. Dallewal stated that if only half a foot of water is released daily, it would take approximately one and a half months (45 days) just to bring the dam’s water level back to the safe mark established last year. During this period, if monsoon rainwater flows into the dam, the situation could spiral completely out of control.
Appeal to the public to remain alert:
Given the gravity of the situation, S. Dallewal has urged residents living along riverbanks and in low-lying areas to exercise caution and remain vigilant. He remarked critically that governments seem to be adopting policies that displace people rather than protect them; therefore, the public must now take responsibility for their own safety.
Key demands of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political):
The Morcha has demanded that the Punjab government immediately undertake the following precautionary measures:
Cleaning of drainage systems: All drainage channels and storm-water drains across the state must be cleaned immediately on a war footing.
Strengthening embankments: Vulnerable riverbanks and embankments must be immediately reinforced using stones and wire mesh.
Robust arrangements: In anticipation of heavy monsoon rains, all administrative preparations must be completed well in time to avert any loss of life or property.
News: 15-1
Photo: S. Jagjit Singh Dallewal.
