People living near the Sutlej River have been urged to stay alert after the Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) warned that India might release water into the river within the next three days.
This release, combined with water from upstream reservoirs, could push river levels higher and trigger flooding in low-lying areas, especially around Ganda Singh Wala.
PDMA’s Director General, Irfan Ali Kathia, said that several Indian dams are already near capacity. The Bhakra Dam is 61% full, Pong Dam has reached 76%, and Thein Dam stands at 64%. With rising levels, the chances of water being released into the Sutlej are high.
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In anticipation, the PDMA has put administrative and emergency teams on standby in multiple divisions, including Lahore, Bahawalpur, Sahiwal, Multan, and Dera Ghazi Khan.
Local authorities in 13 districts, including Kasur, Pakpattan, Bahawalnagar, and Muzaffargarh, have been directed to stay prepared for any emergency action.
Emergency control rooms have been ordered to operate 24/7, while departments like health, agriculture, forestry, livestock, transport, and local government have also been placed on high alert.
Rescue 1122 has mobilized its disaster response teams in potentially affected regions. The public has been asked to avoid swimming or unnecessary activity near rivers, canals, and ponds. In case of emergency evacuations or support, citizens can contact PDMA’s helpline at 1129.
The Sutlej River originates in India and flows into Pakistan, making it one of the major rivers shared between the two nations. Every year during monsoon season, high rainfall and full reservoirs on the Indian side raise the risk of sudden water releases, which can overwhelm the Pakistani side, especially in south and central Punjab.
This has led to flooding in the past, causing damage to homes, crops, and infrastructure. This alert is a reminder of how vulnerable certain areas in Punjab are to upstream water decisions.
