Chandigarh: Under the leadership of Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Cabinet has approved a new public-interest policy aimed at strengthening flood preparedness and improving river flow ahead of the upcoming monsoon season.
The decision allows landowners to carry out de-silting of rivers, choes, and drains at their own cost, marking a major step toward proactive flood management in the state.
Landowners Allowed to Remove Silt from Rivers and Drains
The new policy permits landowners to clean and desilt major rivers including the Sutlej, Beas, and Siswan, as well as various choes and drains.
Key provisions include:
- Permission for landowners to carry out de-silting at their own expense
- Free usage rights of the extracted material
- Faster clearance of silt to improve water flow
Officials said this will help reduce flood risks and protect both public and private property.
Read also: Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Announces ₹177 Crore Development Projects to Transform Historic Batala City
Focus on Monsoon Preparedness and Flood Risk Reduction
The state government has identified nine critical locations where de-silting is urgently required to ensure smooth water flow during the monsoon season.
If not addressed, these areas could face:
- Excessive silt accumulation
- Reduced river and drain capacity
- Increased flood risk during heavy rains
The initiative is expected to significantly reduce potential flood damage across vulnerable regions.
Accelerating Drainage Works Before Monsoon 2026–27
The government has allowed landowners to begin de-silting work ahead of the 2026–27 monsoon season, ensuring timely completion of preventive measures.
The extracted material can be freely used by landowners, making the process economically viable while speeding up implementation.
Cabinet Also Approves Changes in Reservation Rules
In another key decision, the Cabinet approved amendments to Punjab Reservation Rules-6 concerning the election of sarpanches, panchayat committee chairpersons, and district council representatives.
The revision aims to rationalize representation across categories, including:
- Scheduled Castes
- Women from reserved categories
- General category representation
Officials said the move will ensure balanced and fair representation in local governance bodies.
Strengthening Governance and Disaster Preparedness
The decisions reflect the Punjab government’s dual focus on improving grassroots governance and strengthening disaster preparedness.
The policy is expected to enhance flood control capacity while ensuring smoother administrative functioning at the village and district levels.
