Nangal, August 31 – For many years, dozens of villages near Bhakra Dam in Sri Anandpur Sahib constituency of district Rupnagar used to be severely affected during heavy monsoon rains. However, this time the Punjab Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann paid special attention to flood-prevention by constructing embankments and strengthening the corners of villages located along the Sutlej River. With an expenditure of ₹15 crore, the region has so far remained safe from the impact of floods.
This was stated by Education Minister Mr. Harjot Singh Bains during a public gathering at Nangal 2 RVR under his ongoing interactive program Saada MLA Saade Vich.
He informed that on August 31, the water level of Bhakra Dam was expected to reach 1673 feet, but due to timely preventive measures, it remained at 1672.62 feet. For the first time in 30 years, despite repeated heavy inflow in the Swan River, the villages were saved from major damage. Only a few spurs in Harsa Bela village were damaged, which were repaired overnight by the administration.
Mr. Bains said, “We are fully alert and I appeal to the public not to believe in rumors. All official updates are being issued only through the control room and government channels. Rumors create panic-like situations that put lives at risk.”
He further stated that earlier, villages in Nangal, Sri Anandpur Sahib, and Kiratpur Sahib areas were regularly hit by floods. This year, however, excess water from Bhakra Dam was released in a regulated manner, preventing damage to crops and property. In particular, new embankments worth ₹4 crore were constructed at Harsa Bela village.
Mr. Bains mentioned that he personally inspected embankment arrangements as early as 6 AM and gave due consideration to people’s suggestions. Additionally, cleaning of seasonal rivulets such as Dasgarai, Bhalan, and Nakkiyan, as well as removal of blockages in drains and culverts, ensured safety of the region even during heavy rainfall.
He said the Swan River broke a 30–35 year record this time, but with divine grace the region has remained safe so far. Even though more heavy rainfall is expected in the coming days, the arrangements are fully in place.
The Education Minister also highlighted that the aim of the Saada MLA Saade Vich program is to save people from unnecessary rounds of government offices. Whenever people bring their grievances, officers are directed on the spot to resolve them. Previously too, initiatives like Jan Sunwai Camps – Sarkar Tuhade Dwaar and War Against Drugs have been successful in addressing public concerns.
Mr. Bains added that while Sri Anandpur Sahib constituency is safe, other parts of Punjab have been severely hit by floods. On this occasion, Aam Aadmi Party volunteers, in collaboration with social organizations, are sending relief material and assistance to the affected regions. He emphasized that rehabilitation after floods is equally important, for which workers have been instructed to serve with dedication. “Even though our constituency is safe, we are setting an example of brotherhood,” he said.
Among those present on the occasion were Dr. Sanjeev Gautam (Chairman, Sri Guru Ravidas Ayurvedic University), Deepak Soni (Media Coordinator), Pandit Rohit Kalia (Truck Union President), Satish Chopra (Block President), Daya Singh Sandhu (Education Coordinator of the constituency), Kesari Singh Sandhu, Advocate Nishant Gupta, Hitesh Sharma, Kulwinder Singh Bindra, Ankush Pathak, Pammu Dhillon, Jeet Ram Rinku, Nitin Sharma, Daljit Singh Kaka Nangran, along with others.