Punjab Floodplain Mapping Delayed: Another Monsoon Missed

Punjab's vital scientific floodplain mapping exercise, crucial for mitigating flood risks, has been postponed again, with the state now informing the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that completion is anticipated by the end of September. This latest delay means another monsoon season will pass without scientifically identified flood-prone areas along the Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi rivers.

The urgency of this task is underscored by the devastating floods of August-September last year. These floods, the worst in nearly four decades, inundated thousands of acres, displaced residents, damaged infrastructure, and resulted in an estimated ₹13,000 crore in losses.

Previous assurances to the NGT in October of the prior year indicated a 10-month completion timeline. However, an affidavit filed on July 27 has requested an extension, primarily attributing the delay to the late receipt of flight clearances from army authorities for drone operations near border regions. The Survey of India is expected to deliver the remaining required datasets by the fourth week of September.

Once the foundational imagery and elevation models are received, a specialized agency will be appointed to conduct HEC-RAS modeling to finalize the floodplain zoning maps. The tendering process for this agency is slated to commence before the Survey of India submits its remaining data, aiming to minimize further delays.