Punjab is planning to clean, deepen and widen the Ravi and Sutlej rivers, which fall under its jurisdiction, to permanently protect the state from future floods. It has sought permission from the Central Government to clean the Beas River, designated as a Ramsar site as well. 28 Locations along the Beas River requiring urgent cleaning have been identified, and the Centre has been urged to provide maximum support for cleaning purposes.

 

 

Punjab’s Finance and Planning Minister, Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema has said that the state has suffered significant losses during the present floods and of 2023, so there is a critical need to desilt the rivers to ensure long-term flood protection.