Punjab BJP holds AAP govt responsible for floods; seeks probe by ex-judge

September 21, 2025

Chandigarh: Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar on Sunday held the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led state government responsible for the recent floods and demanded an inquiry by a retired judge into the lapses.

Complaint Against Rumour-Mongering

Jakhar said a complaint had been filed with Chandigarh Police to counter “falsehoods” being circulated on social media that blamed the Central government. “The complaint has been lodged to expose the masterminds of the rumours,” he stated.

Dam Management Under Scrutiny

The BJP leader accused the state of mismanaging the Ranjit Sagar dam, alleging that despite warnings of heavy rainfall in the Ravi catchment area, little water was released until August 27. According to government claims, 2.75 lakh cusecs were discharged that day, while Jakhar argued the actual inflow was far higher.

Breaches and Structural Failures

Highlighting the damage, Jakhar said 45 embankments were breached, 42 of them along the Ravi river, underscoring the state’s failure to strengthen riverbanks and clean drains. He also questioned why gates at Madhopur headworks were not opened in advance.

Faulty Contracting Practices

Jakhar raised concerns over the role of “Level 9,” the firm hired to inspect the Madhopur headworks. He claimed the company had no expertise in hydrological sciences, being primarily a social sciences research entity. “The government cannot escape culpability by suspending lower-level officers when it awarded such contracts,” he said.