Jal Shakti Ministry Clarifies: Reservoirs Not Responsible For Punjab Floods

The Jal Shakti ministry refuted claims that poor reservoir management at Punjab's Pong and Bhakra dams intensified recent floods. It attributed the deluge to unusually high rainfall, affirming that water releases followed safety norms. Measures for flood mitigation and reservoir regulation are ongoing, with collaborative oversight in place.

The Jal Shakti Ministry has firmly denied allegations that improper reservoir management at key dams such as Bhakra and Pong exacerbated the recent floods in Punjab. The ministry attributed the flooding to exceptionally high rainfall in the catchment areas, which led to increased inflows.

Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Raj Bhushan Choudhary, informed the Rajya Sabha that regulated releases of dam water were conducted following rule curves and safety norms, dispelling concerns of mismanagement at the reservoirs. Decisions on water releases were made by a technical committee comprising representatives from multiple states and central bodies.

The Ministry highlighted efforts towards flood management and reservoir regulation, pointing out that buffer levels were maintained before monsoon rains. The Centre also emphasized the importance of non-structural flood mitigation measures and the reinforcement of embankments, which falls under state jurisdiction.

(With inputs from agencies.)