Punjab Government Prepares for Flooding Amid Data Uncertainty

Islamabad, Pakistan Jul 17, 2026 ALN: • Officials having to rely on ‘less credible sources’ in the absence of river flow information from India
• Action to clear Ravi riverbed of ‘temporary encroachments’ on the cards

LAHORE: The Punjab government has issued a directive to the irrigation department to prepare for potential flooding under a ‘high-alert category,’ amid growing concerns and uncertainties regarding river flows. This situation has arisen following India's unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, a critical agreement that governs the sharing of water resources between the two countries. The treaty, established in 1960, has historically been a cornerstone for managing the water supply of the Indus River system, which is vital for agriculture and drinking water in Pakistan.

The decision to ramp up preparations comes in light of a meeting chaired by Lahore Commissioner Nauman Yousaf, where officials expressed concerns about the reliability of the data available for assessing the flood risk. With India not sharing vital river flow information since it effectively put the treaty on hold in April of the previous year, Pakistani officials have been forced to rely on less credible sources, including social media, to gauge the situation.

“In a recent meeting related to the flood situation and arrangements, a senior official of the irrigation department revealed that India continued to avoid sharing data since it had put the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance in April last year,” the source said. This lack of transparency has raised questions about the preparedness of the Punjab government to effectively manage any flooding that may occur, especially given the historical context of severe floods in the region.

In light of these challenges, the commissioner directed the irrigation department to adopt a vigilant approach. “If they (India) are not giving information (related to river flows, flood situation etc), then we must be very vigilant. So if the flood situation is normal, you must make arrangements required for medium floods and if the situation is medium, then go for arrangements that are required under the high-flood category,” the official quoted the commissioner as directing the irrigation officers. This proactive stance indicates the urgency with which the government is treating the potential for flooding, especially given the unpredictability of river flows.

Furthermore, the commissioner has emphasized the importance of timely arrangements, urging deputy commissioners to finalize flood-related preparations swiftly to mitigate any untoward situations. “The respective deputy commissioners were asked to finalize flood-related arrangements as soon as possible to deal with any untoward situation,” the source added. This directive is particularly crucial as the monsoon season approaches, traditionally a time of heightened flood risk in the region.

In a briefing to the commissioner, the Lahore and Sheikhupura deputy commissioners reported on the current state of flood arrangements, indicating that all critical points along the Ravi River had been identified and marked. They also mentioned plans to initiate an operation to clear the riverbed of temporary encroachments. Such encroachments can exacerbate flooding by obstructing the natural flow of water, making it imperative for authorities to address this issue promptly.

A senior irrigation official confirmed the directives issued by the commissioner, stating, “Yes, the commissioner has directed us to do so.” However, the official also reiterated the challenges posed by India's reluctance to share information about river flows, which complicates their preparations. Despite these challenges, there is a degree of optimism among officials who believe they will be adequately prepared for the upcoming flooding season.

Addressing concerns raised by the public, the official stated that the water flow in the Ravi and other rivers currently remains normal, dismissing alarming reports circulating on social media regarding rising water levels. “All rivers including Sindh, Kabul, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej are experiencing a normal flow. So the situation is not problematic at all,” he maintained, urging the public not to panic.

In a broader context, the Punjab government has directed all district administrations, particularly in areas that were severely impacted by last year’s floods, to remain vigilant and collaborate with other departments to ensure comprehensive flood arrangements are in place. “The DCs, (and) commissioners have been asked to monitor the flood situation on a daily basis in coordination with the irrigation department,” a senior official stated. This coordinated approach aims to bolster the province's overall preparedness and response capability in the face of potential flooding.

Moreover, the district administrations of Lahore and Sheikhupura have been instructed to crack down on illegal sand excavation from prohibited sites. Sand mining near strategic bridges and bay areas poses a significant risk to critical infrastructure and can exacerbate flooding conditions. The commissioner has stressed that protecting human lives, property, and infrastructure from floods is a collective responsibility that requires the cooperation of all stakeholders involved.

Reflecting on past experiences, it is essential to consider the devastating impact of flooding events in Lahore. In August of the previous year, a massive flood in the Ravi River, which peaked at 220,000 cusecs, inundated various residential localities in Lahore, leading to significant damage to roads, homes, and infrastructure. Areas such as Shafiqabad, Farrakhabad, and Tallat Park near Shahdara bridge were particularly hard hit, illustrating the vulnerability of urban areas to flooding.

Last year's floods affected at least 31 villages along the river, with a staggering total of 82,952 people impacted in Lahore alone. Such statistics highlight the human cost of flooding and underscore the critical need for effective disaster preparedness and response strategies. The memory of past floods, including the catastrophic event in 1988 when the Ravi River experienced a flow of 345,000 cusecs—approximately 100,000 cusecs beyond its designed capacity—still looms large in the collective consciousness of the region. This event led to widespread destruction, particularly in Shahdara and surrounding localities, further emphasizing the importance of vigilance and preparedness in the face of natural disasters.

As the Punjab government ramps up its efforts to prepare for potential flooding, the interplay between political tensions, environmental factors, and historical context will play a crucial role in shaping the region's response to this perennial threat. The situation remains fluid, and stakeholders across the board are urged to remain alert and proactive in their efforts to mitigate the impacts of flooding, ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents in the affected areas.