Punjab cabinet clears self-funded desilting to boost flood readiness

Chandigarh: The Punjab cabinet on Friday approved a "citizen-focused" policy allowing landowners to undertake desilting of rivers, choes and drains — including Satluj, Beas and Siswan rivers — at their own expense, with the right to use the excavated material free of charge. The move aims to strengthen flood preparedness ahead of the monsoon while improving river flow across critical stretches.An official spokesperson said: "The initiative will facilitate expeditious desilting of critical reaches, enhance the carrying capacity of rivers and choes, and significantly reduce the risk of floods, thereby, safeguarding public and private property."The Punjab govt has identified nine sites where desilting is required to ensure smooth flow of water in view of the upcoming monsoon season. Non-execution of desilting at these sites could lead to accumulation of silt, reduced carrying capacity of rivers/choes and increased flood risk during the ensuing monsoon, besides continued non-utilisation of excavated material.To ensure timely desilting before the monsoon season 2026-27 and address non-responsive sites, it was decided to permit concerned landowners to undertake desilting at their own cost, with free utilisation of excavated material. This will facilitate expeditious execution of desilting works while reducing potential flood risks and associated liabilities.Punjab finance minister Harpal Singh Cheema said parts of the state suffered significant losses during the recent floods, and the govt has identified vulnerable areas, including Harsha Bela (Ropar), Mandala Tajowal (SBS Nagar), Badhakali Raun (Ferozepur), Ruknewala (Ferozepur), Burj Tehaldas (SBS Nagar), that fall in close proximity of Satluj or Ghaggar.MSID:: 130333718 413 | Get real-time updates and result insights on the CBSE 12 Result 2026.