Flood Fury in Punjab: Rising Ravi River, Heavy Rains Disrupt Life and Force School Closures

Chandigarh, Sept 2025 : Continuous rains and heavy inflow of water from hilly areas have plunged Punjab into a severe flood crisis, paralyzing daily life across several districts. Train and bus services have been suspended in many flood-affected zones, while markets and residential areas remain submerged due to widespread waterlogging.

Taking note of the worsening conditions, the Punjab government has ordered all schools in the state to remain closed until September 3. Disaster management teams have been deployed on war footing, with relief and rescue operations intensified in the worst-hit areas.

The Ravi River has emerged as the biggest source of devastation this season. Entering Punjab through Pathankot and flowing toward Pakistan via Gurdaspur, the river has crossed alarming levels. The Ranjit Sagar Dam, situated on the Punjab–Jammu and Kashmir border, normally holds water up to 1,370 feet, but this year the level has surged beyond 1,729 feet, raising serious concerns of flooding in low-lying regions.

Authorities have issued red and orange alerts and appealed to residents in vulnerable areas to shift to safer locations. Municipal bodies, assisted by the Disaster Management Department, have installed pumps and generators to drain water from inundated zones. The Meteorological Department has predicted more days of heavy rainfall, further heightening the risk of flooding.

Meanwhile, affected locals have expressed anger at the administration, accusing it of failing to establish proper drainage systems, which they claim is why floods recur annually. In response, the government has assured citizens that all possible relief measures are being taken to protect lives and restore normalcy.

Public life, however, remains severely disrupted. The closure of schools has impacted students, while suspension of transport services has stranded many travelers. Markets and daily businesses are reeling under waterlogging, leaving shopkeepers and vendors in distress.

In Chandigarh, which has also been battered by heavy rain, Deputy Commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav, along with the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) and Sub-Divisional Magistrate (East), conducted an extensive field visit on Monday. The team inspected the Sukhna Lake Regulator Head and other rain-affected areas to review the functioning of drainage systems, assess damages, and interact with citizens.

After the inspection, Yadav reaffirmed the administration’s priorities: “The safety and well-being of every citizen is our top priority. The administration is fully committed to providing timely assistance, better preparedness, and building a resilient Chandigarh.”

Officials evaluated waterlogging points, damaged infrastructure, and vulnerable locations. Departments were instructed to immediately clean blocked drains, mobilize emergency response teams, and deploy adequate machinery for relief work. Yadav also stressed the need for inter-departmental coordination among engineering, health, police, and disaster management services to ensure swift and effective response.

The SSP highlighted traffic management strategies and safety protocols in submerged areas, assuring citizens that police teams are actively engaged in providing assistance. Meanwhile, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (East) reviewed relief and rehabilitation arrangements, including surveillance at sensitive locations, to ensure residents receive necessary support.

With the Ravi River swelling beyond safe limits, rain continuing unabated, and local systems under strain, Punjab now faces one of its most serious flood challenges in recent years. While the administration has stepped up relief efforts, both officials and citizens agree that long-term infrastructure solutions are essential to prevent such devastation from becoming an annual ordeal.

Team Maverick.