NEW DELHI: Facing the worst floods in decades, Punjab has been declared a disaster-affected state. Punjab Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, as Chairman of the State Executive Committee (SEC) constituted under the Disaster Management Act, 2025, has authorised district magistrates to issue all requisite orders under Section 34 of the Act in the event of a threatening disaster situation.

All District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) have been asked to take prompt and adequate measures to provide relief to the affected population.

All line departments of the state shall strictly adhere to their designated emergency support functions and take necessary actions to ensure a timely and effective emergency response. For this, all line departments shall ensure the presence of personnel on duty as assigned to them, without fail. The PWD, Water Resources Department, and PSPCL have been directed to take urgent measures to restore their respective services on a war footing. All departments and DDMAs shall ensure the smooth movement of people, goods, and essential services within their respective jurisdictions. All telecom service providers have been instructed to ensure immediate restoration and uninterrupted maintenance of mobile and landline connectivity across the state on a war footing.

All local authorities, including Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies, shall take all necessary measures for emergency response, restoration, and relief in the affected areas, and extend full assistance to DDMAs and state departments. The Chief Secretary observed that Punjab is currently grappling with one of the worst flood disasters in decades, impacting over 1,200 villages and affecting lakhs of people. Heavy monsoon rains, coupled with the release of water from dams, have caused extensive flooding in many districts. With the situation still evolving, there is grave concern that conditions may further deteriorate in the days to come. At present, about 3.75 lakh acres of farmland, primarily paddy fields, remain submerged under floodwaters, leading to devastating crop losses just weeks ahead of harvesting. There has also been widespread loss of livestock, severely impacting rural households dependent on dairy and animal husbandry. The water level at Bhakra Dam has reached nearly 1,678 feet, against the danger mark of 1,680 feet. At Pong Dam, it has touched 1,393 feet, while the danger level is 1,390 feet. Discharge in the Sutlej from Harike and Hussainiwala is currently categorised as a high flood level.