Photo Source: Babushai Bureau
MP Satnam Sandhu raises issue of floods in Punjab in Parliament, demands constitution of expert committee for permanent solution
‘Storage Capacity of Bhakra Dam Declines by 26 percent, Pong Dam by 14 percent, says MP Satnam Sandhu
‘Punjab has faced 10 major flood since Independence with 2023 and 2025 among the most devastating disasters in recent decades’
Babushahi Bureau
New Delhi, March 10, 2026: Raising concerns over the growing flood threat in Punjab, Rajya Sabha MP Satnam Singh Sandhu on Tuesday informed Parliament that heavy silt accumulation has significantly reduced the storage capacity of major reservoirs in the region, increasing the risk of floods in downstream areas.
Speaking during the Zero Hour in the Rajya Sabha, Sandhu said the storage capacity of Bhakra Dam has declined by nearly 26 per cent from its original capacity of 9.27 billion cubic metres. Similarly, Pong Dam has lost around 14 per cent of its storage capacity due to siltation.
He added that Gobind Sagar Lake, the reservoir of Bhakra Dam, has accumulated silt deposits of up to 100–200 feet in some areas, significantly reducing its ability to retain water. According to Sandhu, when reservoirs lose storage capacity, even moderate rainfall can trigger severe flooding in downstream regions.
Calling for urgent action, the MP urged the Government of India to constitute a high-level expert committee comprising representatives from the Centre and the concerned states to prepare a long-term scientific roadmap for flood management in Punjab. He also demanded time-bound desilting of rivers and reservoirs, strengthening of embankments and improved inter-state coordination for river management.
Highlighting the scale of the problem, Sandhu said Punjab has faced more than 10 major floods since India’s independence, with the 2023 Punjab Floods and 2025 Punjab Floods emerging as some of the most devastating disasters in recent decades. Over 50 people lost their lives in the 2023 floods and more than 37 deaths were reported in 2025, while over four lakh people across the state were affected.
He also pointed to extensive damage to agriculture and livestock, noting that more than three lakh hectares of farmland were devastated, while over three lakh livestock and six lakh poultry birds were lost. Key infrastructure, including roads, hospitals and schools, also suffered major damage during the floods.
Sandhu said that apart from siltation, factors such as encroachments on natural drainage channels, illegal mining and shifting river courses have worsened the flood situation. He stressed that while relief efforts are essential, addressing the root causes is critical to prevent recurring disasters.
The MP expressed gratitude to Narendra Modi for visiting flood-affected regions and announcing ₹1,600 crore in additional assistance for relief and rehabilitation. He also acknowledged the rescue efforts of the National Disaster Response Force, Indian Army and Indian Air Force, which together evacuated more than 20,000 people from flood-hit areas.