The Central Government has dismissed claims that Punjab’s recent floods were caused by poor management of the Bhakra and Pong dams. In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, the Jal Shakti Ministry said the floods resulted from extraordinary rainfall, which led to unusually high inflow into major reservoirs.
Minister of State for Jal Shakti Raj Bhushan Chaudhary reported that in 2025, Pong recorded 349,522 cusecs and Bhakra 190,603 cusecs of inflow — levels requiring controlled water release strictly as per flood-control rules, dam safety norms, and the limited carrying capacity of the Sutlej and Beas rivers.
The Centre said all operations followed technical standards, and decisions were taken by a joint technical committee comprising officials from Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, the Central Water Commission, and the Bhakra Beas Management Board.
It added that adequate buffer levels were maintained before monsoon, and advance warnings were issued at least 24 hours before water release. The Ministry reiterated that there was no mismanagement, noting that strengthening embankments and drainage systems remains the responsibility of state governments.
