MLA Rana Inder Partap Singh Urges Punjab CM to Take Immediate Action on Rising Flood Threat
Chandigarh, August 14, 2025: Sultanpur Lodhi MLA Rana Inder Partap Singh today called on Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to promptly address the escalating flood situation, particularly affecting the Sultanpur Lodhi constituency in Kapurthala. He warned that floodwaters from the Beas River have already submerged agricultural land in at least 25 villages, causing significant damage to standing paddy crops.
Speaking at a press conference, Rana Inder Partap Singh criticized the state government for its lack of preparedness and response to the increasing water levels. He highlighted that while dams constructed in neighbouring states benefit those regions, Punjab suffers the consequences when excess water is released during heavy monsoon rains. "It is Punjab that bears the brunt in the form of floods," he said, urging immediate government intervention to prevent further damage and protect lives.
The MLA, who recently toured the flood-affected areas, cautioned that 25 to 30 assembly constituencies along the Beas, Ghaggar, Ravi, and Sutlej rivers remain vulnerable. He appealed to lawmakers across party lines, including those from the ruling Aam Aadmi Party, to advocate for their constituents' safety.
Rana Inder Partap Singh pointed out that water levels in the Beas River and the Pong Dam reservoir have been rising steadily over the past two weeks, yet no significant government action has been taken. He noted that the Pong Dam water level, which stood at 1,366 feet on August 4, has now surged past 1,377.5 feet, dangerously close to the 1,390-foot danger mark.
Focusing on the situation at Harike, he explained that although the inflow is around 13 lakh cusecs, only about 3 lakh cusecs are being released downstream, with 2.5 lakh cusecs diverted into a river channel. This means over 7 lakh cusecs of water is being retained, which requires controlled, strategic releases to avert catastrophic flooding that could devastate crops, property, and lives.
Despite alerting the irrigation minister, department secretary, and chief engineers about the urgent situation, the MLA alleged that no concrete measures have been implemented. He accused officials of shifting responsibility without recognizing the urgency on the ground.
He also drew attention to the Bhakra Dam on the Sutlej River, where water levels currently stand at 1,650 feet, about 30 feet below the danger threshold of 1,680 feet, warning that incoming heavy inflows could worsen the scenario.
Highlighting the government's lack of flood readiness, Rana Inder Partap Singh revealed that the entire Kapurthala district has fewer than 5,000 sandbags and only 50 crates, insufficient for managing a sudden flood or embankment breach. He condemned the negligence and incompetence of the authorities and demanded swift, substantial action to mitigate the looming flood crisis before it escalates further.