Punjab had used only 34% of allocated flood-control funds
Official figures show Punjab spent just 34% of the ₹52.37 crore flood-control allocation ahead of the recent deluge, with only ₹10.75 crore actually spent — prompting criticism over delayed embankment works and inadequate desilting.
Punjab Utilized Just 34% of Flood Control Budget Before Disaster
Official data reveals that the Punjab government spent only 34% of its flood control budget before the devastating floods hit the state this year. Out of the total allocation of ₹52.37 crore, merely ₹20.81 crore was released, and only ₹10.75 crore was actually spent on flood-prevention projects.
This under-utilization has raised serious questions about the state’s preparedness and planning for disaster management ahead of the monsoon season.
When contacted, minister for water resources Barinder Kumar Goyal maintained
that all priority flood mitigation projects were completed on schedule.
Low Spending Exposed Gaps in Flood Preparedness
Experts believe that timely spending on embankment strengthening, drain desilting, and flood-protection infrastructure could have minimized the impact of the floods. However, the lack of proper fund usage led to poor maintenance of bundhs and drainage channels, leaving many regions vulnerable when heavy rainfall began.
Opposition leaders have criticized the government for failing to use the available funds effectively, calling it a case of administrative negligence that worsened the disaster’s impact.
Hundreds of Villages Affected Across Punjab
The floods caused widespread damage, submerging farmlands and destroying property across multiple districts. Hundreds of villages were affected, with thousands of residents forced to evacuate their homes.
Farmers in low-lying areas near the Beas, Sutlej, and Ravi rivers faced massive crop losses. Several bridges, rural roads, and irrigation canals were also damaged, leading to economic strain in already struggling regions.
Planned Projects Delayed or Incomplete
According to official documents, the flood-control budget was meant for:
- Strengthening dhussi bundhs (river embankments)
- Desilting of major drains and rivulets
- Repairing damaged culverts and flood-gates
- Improving early-warning systems and flood infrastructure
However, a majority of these projects remained delayed or incomplete due to slow administrative processes and late fund disbursement.
Government Response and Future Plan
Following public criticism, the Punjab government has announced a comprehensive post-flood action plan. The new strategy includes:
- Quick repair of damaged bundhs and drainage systems
- Audit of flood-protection works and pending projects
- Faster release of disaster-management funds
- Coordination with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) for future preparedness
A state-level committee has also been formed to review fund utilization and ensure that flood-control projects are completed before the next monsoon.
Experts Call for Transparent Use of Funds
Environmental experts and civic groups have urged the government to increase transparency in fund allocation and utilization. They recommend:
- Annual progress reports on flood projects
- Third-party audits of works completed
- Community participation in monitoring local flood-control infrastructure
Experts warn that under-spending and delays in such critical sectors can lead to recurring disasters and loss of life and livelihood.
Opposition Blames Poor Bundh Maintenance for Worsening Punjab Floods
Opposition leaders have criticized the Punjab government, claiming that this year’s severe flooding was largely caused by negligence in maintaining and strengthening the dhussi bundhs — the earthen embankments built along major rivers such as the Sutlej, Ravi, and Beas.
They allege that breaches in these bundhs allowed river water to overflow into villages and farmland, leading to massive inundation and crop destruction across several districts.
The opposition has also questioned why funds earmarked for flood preparedness — including the repair, desilting, and reinforcement of these protective structures — were not used effectively. Leaders argued that timely utilization of the flood-control budget could have prevented such widespread damage and losses.
