Punjab Floods: Amrinder Singh Raja Warring Criticises Dam Mismanagement and Calls for Accountability

Amrinder Singh Raja Warring of the Punjab Congress attributes the recent floods to dam mismanagement, urging accountability for the devastation caused. He highlights the need for timely water release to mitigate damage and criticises maintenance failures at key waterworks.

Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, the Punjab Congress president, has criticised the alleged mismanagement of dams and water headworks for causing floods in the state. He demanded accountability for the situation, questioning why water was allowed to accumulate in dams despite forecasts of heavy rain. Warring described this as "more of a criminal negligence than an unforeseen natural disaster."

During his visits to flood-affected areas over three days, Warring observed that thousands have been displaced and many lives lost. The full extent of crop and livestock damage is still unknown. He questioned why water wasn't released gradually from dams in advance to accommodate additional inflow later. He believes timely action could have reduced the devastation.

Flood Impact and Dam Management

The Congress leader highlighted the failure of two floodgates at the Madhopur headworks in Pathankot, attributing it to poor maintenance. He claimed that delayed release of excess water caused immense pressure, leading to the gates' collapse. This incident underscores the need for better management and maintenance of infrastructure.

Warring called for accountability and punishment for those responsible for this disaster. "We do not expect people in responsible positions to not act in time and that too at such critical times," he stated. His remarks reflect frustration over the lack of timely action by authorities during such crucial moments.

Regions Severely Affected by Floods

Floods have severely impacted parts of Punjab due to swollen Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi rivers, along with seasonal rivulets. Heavy rainfall in catchment areas of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir exacerbated the situation. Districts like Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Fazilka, Kapurthala, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Hoshiarpur, and Amritsar are among the worst affected.

Warring's statements highlight the urgent need for improved dam management practices to prevent future disasters. Ensuring timely release of water and maintaining infrastructure are crucial steps towards mitigating flood risks in Punjab.

With inputs from PTI