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Punjab Faces Severe Floods as Climate Change Overwhelms Aging Infrastructure
11 Sep
Summary
- Punjab's flood risk has escalated due to climate change
- Decaying water management systems and outdated policies worsen the crisis
- Immediate relief and long-term reforms needed to address the systemic challenge
As of September 11th, 2025, Punjab is facing a severe flood crisis, with the state's geography, river system, and dependence on the monsoon making it increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The monsoon's delayed arrival and intense downpours in late August have led to devastating floods, reminiscent of the tragedies of 1988 and 2008.
The situation is worsened by the steady decay and lack of upgrading in Punjab's once-renowned water management systems. The state, which pioneered large-scale irrigation and canal networks, now struggles with aging infrastructure and fragmented institutions. Many traditional water bodies have disappeared or been encroached upon, while flood escape routes are blocked and embankments are weak and poorly maintained.
Compounding the problem is the misalignment between Punjab's water policies and the science of hydrology. The state's current policies continue to encourage wasteful practices in surface and groundwater use, particularly in agriculture. Without sustainable reforms, Punjab will remain trapped in a vicious cycle of depletion during dry seasons and devastation during monsoons.
The scale of this transformation is beyond the capacity of the state alone. It requires national-level investment, with central funding, technical expertise, and climate-resilient programmes tailored to Punjab's unique challenges. This is not a favor to Punjab, but a safeguard for India's collective future, as the state's agricultural output is crucial for the country's food security.
