Punjab News: In the midst of ongoing flood conditions in Punjab, Cabinet Minister Barinder Goyal provided important clarifications regarding the situation of river bunds and the flow of water from the hills. Speaking on behalf of the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government, he stated that this year, unlike previous times, no river bunds have broken due to negligence or poor maintenance.
CM Bhagwant Mann’s Government Clarifies Flood Situation, Disallowing Bund Desilting
Minister Goyal explained that if any bunds have broken, it is only due to the overflow caused by an unprecedented inflow of water from the hills, and not because of any structural failure. He emphasized that Punjab has been receiving a significantly higher volume of water from the mountainous regions, which continues to flow consistently.
The minister further clarified that the Punjab government does not have the authority to carry out desilting of river bunds. He pointed out that the permission for desilting rivers lies under the jurisdiction of the Central Government of India. This is because the management of river basins and control of silt falls within the central government’s authority, not the state’s.
Barinder Goyal’s statement aimed to address growing public concern regarding flood relief
Barinder Goyal’s statement aimed to address growing public concern regarding flood relief and preventive measures. He made it clear that the Punjab government remains committed to the safety of its citizens and is working closely with the administration to manage the current flood crisis. However, desilting, which could improve the river flow and reduce the chances of bund overflows, requires central government approval.
This clarification comes amid rising debates about the effectiveness of flood management strategies and the state’s role in protecting villages and towns from floodwaters. Minister Goyal reiterated that all possible efforts are being made by the Punjab government to provide relief and prevent further damage during this period of heavy water inflow.
The people of Punjab await further measures and announcements regarding flood relief as the state continues to face serious water-level challenges in its river systems.
