Punjab Floods: Desilting Work Trails Behind Schedule

Punjab faces a critical delay in river desilting efforts, with work commenced at only 52 out of 182 identified flood-prone points, a year after experiencing its worst floods since 1988. The slow pace is attributed to legal challenges and changes in the state's desilting policy. Nine locations, eight along the Sutlej and one on the Ghaggar, have been flagged as most vulnerable ahead of the current monsoon season.

Recent policy changes, including three modifications in less than a year, have complicated the process. Initial policies were altered due to concerns of illegal mining, leading to restrictions on the sale of excavated material. The latest policy, allowing landowners to desilt at their own cost, was recently stayed by the Punjab and Haryana High Court, though an exception was made for immediate work under a specific bridge.

Water Resources Minister Barinder Goyal expressed frustration over the stalled operations and the financial implications of the evolving regulations. He emphasized the necessity of desilting for flood prevention and public safety, questioning the environmental protection argument when it impedes necessary safety measures. The department is now exploring options to proceed with desilting and sand management to mitigate flood risks.