AAP govt okays Rs 52-crore flood protection plan for Punjab's Sri Anandpur Sahib

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab has cleared Rs 52 crore for extensive flood control measures in Sri Anandpur Sahib, aiming to shield vulnerable villages from recurring monsoon damage. The project focusses on strengthening embankments, installing revetments and building durable infrastructure to minimise the impact of seasonal flooding on residents and their property.

State Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains announced the approval, saying the works will primarily cover settlements situated along the Satluj and Swan rivers — areas that have historically borne the brunt of heavy floods.

The government intends to put in place long-term, sustainable safeguards rather than temporary fixes.

"The Bhagwant Mann-led govt has expedited major flood protection infrastructure projects in the region. Works worth Rs 52 crore have already been tendered and commenced, with physical construction set to gather pace within a fortnight. Additionally, projects estimated at Rs 30 crore are in the pipeline," Bains was quoted by the media as saying.

The sanctioned plan details specific interventions for several villages. Dasgrain and Mahain will receive revetment works worth Rs 1 crore.

Harsa Bela, which earlier saw flood protection works of Rs 4.5 crore, has now been allocated Rs 9 crore for upgrading a 2,200-foot revetment. Mehndli Kalan is slated to get a new 1,800-foot revetment costing over Rs 8.75 crore.

Agampur will benefit from a 3,200-foot revetment valued at Rs 12 crore to protect the village and nearby bridge approaches.

Burj is set to receive a 700-foot revetment worth Rs 7 crore, while Ajauli will get a similar stretch costing Rs 3.5 crore. Lodhipura has been earmarked Rs 9 crore for a 2,000-foot revetment.

Stressing urgency, Bains said, "The safety of our people is non-negotiable. Last year's floods taught us a hard lesson. We are building robust, long-term protections."

He added that additional projects for Bhalan, Triveni Mandir, Nangran and other locations are underway or approved, reinforcing the state’s broader push to strengthen flood defences across the constituency.

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