The Flooding Crisis in Punjab: A Call for Action
In recent weeks, Punjab has faced devastating impacts from heavy monsoon rains, leading to significant flooding and tragic loss of life. While climate change often gets the blame for extreme weather, reports indicate there are deeper-rooted issues contributing to this crisis.
It’s alarming to note that there are over 829 illegal encroachments on rivers and streams throughout the province. Multan Zone is particularly hard hit, with 676 of these encroachments, which interfere with natural water flow. As a result, urban flooding in low-lying areas has intensified, placing both lives and infrastructure at risk.
Experts emphasize the importance of enforcing laws under the Irrigation, Drainage, and River Act 2023, which aims to protect waterways from unauthorized construction. Yet enforcement has been weak. Urban planning expert Sani Zahra points out that outdated sewerage systems exacerbate flooding in major cities. In Lahore, for instance, about 40% of drainage lines are inadequately equipped to handle the increasing population.
On the environmental front, Dr. Zulfiqar Ali highlights the quirks of climate change. Hotter temperatures lead to heavier rains, and the rapid melting of glaciers in northern areas contributes to the surge in rivers. Sadly, deforestation and unplanned construction have worsened the situation, causing soil erosion and narrowing waterways. Over the past two decades, Punjab has lost 30% of its forest cover, compounding flooding issues significantly.
The consequences of the flooding have been dire. Between 2020 and 2025, more than 400 lives have been lost due to flood-related incidents, with damages exceeding Rs75 billion. The catastrophic year of 2022 saw 15 districts affected and 223 lives lost, with damages hitting a staggering Rs200 billion. Now, many fear 2025 may follow a similar tragic path.
Given this escalating crisis, it is essential to implement both short-term and long-term solutions. Experts recommend removing encroachments, modernizing drainage systems, and increasing reforestation efforts. The Punjab government has begun working on integrated sewerage and flood drainage systems across 189 cities, allocating Rs500 billion to strengthen the infrastructure.
To combat future flooding effectively, new rainwater storage ponds are being constructed in Lahore, and innovative systems with separate pipelines for sewerage and rainwater are in the works. Syed Zahid Aziz, head of the Punjab Municipal Development Fund Company, emphasizes these efforts will greatly enhance the city’s handling of heavy rains.
The situation is critical, and collective action is essential. By sharing information, supporting sustainable practices, and advocating for responsible development, we can help create a safer, more resilient Punjab. If you’re interested in learning more or engaging in discussions about climate solutions, platforms like Pro21st can be a great place to start. Let’s work together towards a brighter future!
