Punjab has been left struggling under severe floods, and experts say the disaster is the result of multiple overlapping factors. Heavy rains, overflowing rivers, outdated infrastructure, and the larger impact of climate change have together created a situation where all 23 districts of the state are facing damage.
This year’s monsoon has been much heavier than normal across northern India. Continuous rainfall for days at a stretch has left villages and towns waterlogged. In many places, rainwater has collected without any outlet, forcing thousands of families to move to higher ground.
Adding to the problem is the rise in water levels of Punjab’s major rivers – the Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, and Ghaggar. All four have been flowing above the danger mark, and the controlled release of water from Bhakra and Pong dams further increased the downstream flow. The Sutlej’s swollen waters have even crossed into Pakistan, causing cross-border flooding.
The crisis is also man-made. Punjab’s canal and drainage systems are decades old and have not kept pace with extreme rainfall patterns. Encroachments, poor maintenance, and silt deposits have reduced their capacity. This means even moderate rainfall leads to choking of drains, while heavy rainfall like this year turns agricultural belts into vast pools of stagnant water.
The agricultural impact is devastating. Paddy, the state’s main crop, is under water in large areas. Government estimates put the loss at over 3.7 lakh acres of farmland, directly affecting lakhs of farmers. Livestock, stored food grain, and village infrastructure have also been damaged.
Scientists add that climate change is intensifying extreme rainfall events. Punjab, with its flat terrain and limited natural drainage, is particularly vulnerable. Experts warn that unless drainage systems are modernised and flood preparedness improved, such disasters may become more frequent and severe.
