Amritsar/Ajnala (Dwarka Nath Rana): Punjab Water Resources Minister Barinder Goyal today inspected the ongoing Flood Safety Mission at the Dhussi Bundh of the Ravi River at BOP Shahpur in district Amritsar.
He was accompanied by Ajnala MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal and senior officials of the Water Resources Department, including Superintending Engineer Jagdish Raj, Executive Engineer Vishvpal Goyal, and Sub-Divisional Officer Satnam Singh.
The minister reviewed the strengthening works being carried out after last year’s floods, during which the Dhussi Bundh had breached at several points near BOP Shahpur. The department has already filled the breaches and reinforced the embankment with stone pitching. Around ₹4 crore is being spent on strengthening flood protection measures at this site.
Speaking to the media, Minister Barinder Goyal said that the Punjab Government is actively working to minimize damage caused by heavy rainfall and floods ahead of the monsoon season, ensuring protection of life and property. He added that the state is spending nearly ₹600 crore on flood prevention works across Punjab.
He informed that after last year’s floods, committees led by two Superintending Engineers were formed for four rivers, which identified 132 vulnerable locations. Work on all these sites is currently underway, some of which has already been completed, while the remaining will be finished by June 30, 2026.
Goyal further said that 23 breaches had occurred in the Ravi River Dhussi Bund during the previous flood season, all of which have been repaired and strengthened with stone pitching. Desilting of the river is also being carried out on a war footing and will be completed before the monsoon. Cleaning of Shakki drain and other seasonal drains is also in progress.
He also announced that the state government is procuring advanced amphibious machines from Finland to strengthen flood control infrastructure and improve cleaning of canals and drains. These machines can operate both on land and in water and are capable of deep cleaning even in flowing water, making them highly effective for emergency flood response.
Ajnala MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal thanked the minister and said that under his leadership, the Water Resources Department is ensuring timely completion of flood protection works. He added that the Punjab Government had extended full support to flood-affected families by Flood Safety Mission and remains committed to safeguarding lives and property.
