In a grim turn of events, Punjab is facing one of its worst-ever flood crises, prompting the state government to extend the closure of all schools, colleges, and universities until September 7, 2025. The decision, announced by Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, highlights the severity of the situation, which has seen all 23 districts of the state officially declared flood-hit. With more than 3.5 lakh people impacted and nearly 30 lives lost, the state is grappling with a natural disaster on a scale not witnessed since the devastating floods of 1988.
The Deluge: A Catastrophic Monsoon
The current flood situation is a direct consequence of relentless and heavy rainfall that has lashed the state over the past several days. The disaster has been exacerbated by the swollen Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi rivers, as well as seasonal rivulets, which are flowing dangerously above their warning marks. The excess water is a result of torrential downpours in the rivers' catchment areas in the neighboring states of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. The continuous flow of water from these upstream regions has overwhelmed Punjab’s rivers and dams, leading to breaches in embankments and the widespread inundation of low-lying areas.
According to a bulletin from the state government, over 1,400 villages have been affected, with large swathes of agricultural land submerged. Experts have warned that this disaster may be worse than the 1988 floods, not just in terms of the immediate human impact but also in the long-term socio-economic fallout. The water levels in key dams, such as the Bhakra Dam and the Pong Dam, are perilously close to their maximum capacity, forcing authorities to release water, which further aggravates the flood situation downstream.
A Government on High Alert: The Response
In the face of this unprecedented crisis, the Punjab government has been working on a war footing to manage the situation. The state has been officially declared a "disaster-affected state," and Chief Secretary K.A.P. Sinha has authorized all District Commissioners to take necessary action under the Disaster Management Act, 2025. This empowers local authorities to act independently and swiftly to provide relief and support to the affected population.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has been personally overseeing the relief operations, visiting flood-affected regions by boat to inspect the damage and interact with the victims. He has also been in touch with the central government, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly calling him to offer full support. The state government has set up over 170 relief camps to provide shelter, food, and medical aid to the thousands of people who have been evacuated from their homes.
The rescue operations are being conducted by a multi-agency team, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Indian Army, the Indian Air Force, and the Border Security Force (BSF). These teams have been working tirelessly, using boats and helicopters to rescue stranded individuals and deliver essential supplies to remote villages that have been cut off by the floodwaters. So far, nearly 20,000 people have been evacuated, with the highest number of rescues being carried out in districts like Gurdaspur and Ferozepur.
The Education Sector: A Safety-First Approach
The most significant and far-reaching decision by the state government has been the extension of the school holidays. On the directive of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains made the announcement on his official X account. The order specifies that all government, aided, recognized, and private schools, colleges, universities, and polytechnics across the state will remain closed until September 7.
This decision, while disrupting the academic calendar, is a crucial step to ensure the safety of students and staff. The state-wide holiday prevents the risk of accidents from submerged roads and helps to keep the population off the streets, thereby freeing up emergency services to focus on rescue and relief operations. The closure also gives educational institutions a chance to assess and repair any damage caused by the floods.
The impact of the closures is significant. Thousands of students were preparing for examinations, and their academic schedules will now be disrupted. The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has also postponed its CA September 2025 examinations in the state, acknowledging the logistical challenges and the emotional toll on the students. While some educational institutions may be able to transition to online classes, this is not a viable option for all, especially in rural areas where internet and power connectivity are unreliable.
A Bleak Outlook: The Long Road to Recovery
The floods have had a devastating impact on Punjab’s economy. The state is an agricultural powerhouse, and the floods have submerged nearly 4 lakh acres of farmland, with devastating crop losses, particularly for paddy, just weeks ahead of harvesting. The loss of livestock and damage to homes and infrastructure will have a long-lasting impact on the livelihoods of millions of people. Health authorities are also on high alert, monitoring for potential outbreaks of waterborne diseases in the affected areas.
The disaster has highlighted the urgent need for a more robust disaster management and climate-resilient infrastructure. Experts are calling for better river management, including regular desilting of rivers and strengthening of embankments. The government faces a monumental task of not only providing immediate relief but also of rehabilitating the displaced population and rebuilding the damaged infrastructure. The extended school closures are a sign of the severity of the crisis, and the state will have a long and difficult journey to recovery
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