Safety assessment of 14 dams including Ranjit Sagar begins, panel to give recommendations

November 13, 2025

The state government is conducting a study to assess the safety of Punjab’s dams. The safety assessment of 14 dams, including Ranjit Sagar, has begun. An independent expert panel has been formed to prepare a report. Based on this report, appropriate steps will be taken to ensure the safety of the dams.

Flood wreaked havoc across state 

This year, floods wreaked havoc in the state. The gates of the Madhopur Headworks were breached, raising significant concerns from the opposition. This is why the government has decided to conduct a safety assessment of all dams. The government has appointed AK Bajaj as Chairman, Dam Safety and Hydromechanical Expert, to the expert panel for Ranjit Sagar Dam.

Members of the panel 

Pradeep Kumar Gupta, Geologist, Dr. Rajbal Singh, Instrumentation and Seismology Expert, Rajiv Rajeev, Hydrologist, and Vyas Dev, Member Mechanical Expert, have been included. Similarly, expert panels have been formed for the remaining 13 dams, including Chohal Dam, Maili Dam, Patiari Dam, Saleran Dam, Nara Dam, Siswan Dam, Mirzapur Dam, Padchh Dam, Jainti Dam, Janauri Dam, Thana Dam, Dholbaha Dam, and Damsal Dam.

The Panel Can Further Engage Experts

The Panel has been authorized to engage any expert whose advice is necessary for the safety assessment during the study. They will be eligible for remuneration and travel allowances, similar to the other panel members.

The Panel will review and analyze available data on the dam’s design, construction, operation, maintenance, and performance. It will also examine the dam’s safety against earthquakes and floods. The report will include the dam’s current state and possible flood protection measures. The Panel may also recommend further detailed studies, if necessary.
1.87 billion cubic feet of silt will be removed from rivers.

Removal of silt approved

The department has also approved the removal of 1.87 billion cubic feet of silt from rivers. 87 sites have been identified for this purpose, where work will begin soon. Approval has also been given to hire an agency for this purpose. The department aims to complete the dredging process in the Sutlej, Ghaggar, Ravi, Beas, and Sarsa rivers, among others.