The flood situation in Punjab has dramatically worsened following the heavy discharge of water from the Bhakra and Pong dams after relentless monsoon rains in the region. The ,[object Object], on the Sutlej River and the ,[object Object], on the Beas River, both crucial for irrigation and water resources in Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan, have reached near-critical water levels due to incessant downpours primarily in Himachal Pradesh. Authorities have been compelled to release excess water to prevent dam overflows, which has significantly increased the water volume downstream, leading to severe flooding in Punjab’s low-lying areas.

The water level at the ,Bhakra Dam, surged rapidly, rising about three feet within just 24 hours, touching 1,678 feet, which is a mere two feet shy of the dam’s maximum capacity of 1,680 feet. Similarly, the ,Pong Dam, water level has hovered around 1,393 feet, slightly above its danger mark of 1,390 feet. These alarming levels have triggered flood alerts and evacuations in downstream districts such as Ropar, Nawanshahr, Ludhiana, and Jalandhar, as the torrential releases increase river flows dramatically. The combined release of about 75,000 cusecs from Bhakra and approximately 79,000 cusecs from Pong has led to swelling rivers and inundation of vast tracts of farmland and villages in Punjab.

The flood impact has been widespread, with more than 1,200 villages submerged in floodwaters and over 3.5 lakh people affected across the state. Crop loss has been staggering, with nearly 3.75 lakh acres of primarily paddy fields underwater just weeks before harvest. Numerous districts including Kapurthala, Hoshiarpur, Ferozepur, and Fazilka have been severely affected, with water levels rising between five to seven feet in many places. Rescue operations have involved the army using helicopters and amphibious vehicles to evacuate thousands of residents stranded by floods. The state government has imposed closures of schools and colleges till September 7 as a precautionary measure.

Authorities and meteorological departments have issued red alerts for multiple Punjab districts expecting continuous heavy rainfall, which could exacerbate the flooding crisis. The ,[object Object], (BBMB) and local administrations continue monitoring the situation closely, urging people in vulnerable and riverside areas to move to safer locations immediately. With the filling season for both dams expected to end by mid-September, the flood situation remains critical as thousands of families face displacement, agricultural and livestock losses, and disruption of basic services due to the swollen rivers and incessant rains.