Madhopur headworks gate collapse: Punjab Irrigation Dept suspends three officers

September 20, 2025

Pathankot: The Irrigation Department has taken significant action in connection with the collapse of the Madhopur Headworks gates during the floods in Pathankot, Punjab. The department has suspended Executive Engineer Nitin Sood, Sub-Divisional Officer Arun Kumar, and Joint Engineer Sachin Thakur with immediate effect.

The Principal Secretary of the Water Resources Department has issued information regarding their suspension. Sources indicate that other officials in the department may face action. However, the letter issued by the Principal Secretary did not explicitly mention this.

• The gate at the Madhopur Headworks broke on August 27th: On August 27th, the gate at the Madhopur Headworks in Pathankot broke. Water was flowing directly from the dam into the Ravi River. Approximately 50 people were trapped in the water as they were repairing the gate. They were rescued by helicopter.
• A department employee died when the gate collapsed: A department employee also lost his life when the gate at Madhopur Headworks collapsed. This accident not only became a major example of administrative lapses but also exacerbated the devastation caused by the floods. This accident not only became a major example of administrative lapses but also exacerbated the devastation caused by the floods.
• The body of a man was retrieved by helicopter : The day after the incident, it was learned that a man had also died. His body was retrieved by helicopter on August 28th.

Central Government team visits Madhopur Headworks

Taking this matter seriously, a team of the Central Government also visited Madhopur Headworks a few days ago and took stock of the situation.

Irrigation Department’s action against negligent officers

Taking seriously the matter of gate breaking at Madhopur Headworks in Pathankot, the Irrigation Department has taken major action. In this matter, XEN Nitin Sood, SDO Arun Kumar and JE Sachin Thakur have been suspended with immediate effect. The notification of suspension of negligent officers was issued by the Principal Secretary of the Water Resources Department.