Punjab Flood Embankment Survey Launched Across Rivers

By Muhammad Luqman

The Punjab Irrigation Department has launched a Punjab Flood Embankment Survey along the province’s three major rivers — Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej — which suffered some of the worst floods in history during August and September this year.

Punjab Flood Embankment Survey Begins on Chenab River

“We are conducting a structural audit of these embankments to scientifically assess their vulnerability. Initially, the embankments and spurs on the Chenab River, from Trimmu Headworks to Punjnad, have been surveyed,” said Dr. Ghulam Zakir Hassan Sial, Director of Irrigation Research Institute (IRI), Punjab.

Talking to this reporter, Dr. Sial explained that IRI teams are carrying out physical surveys using electrical resistivity and tomography techniques to analyze the geophysical condition of the embankments.

The embankments along Marala, Khanki, Qadirabad, and Chiniot will also be surveyed by teams specifically assigned to this task.

Assessment of Ravi River Embankments

Likewise, the embankments along Ravi River are being assessed, with the strategic point at Shahdara — located near Lahore — already surveyed.

The embankments along Balloki and Sidhnai headworks would also be surveyed soon as part of the geophysical assessment plan.

Sutlej River Embankments Survey Planned

In the second phase, embankments along major headworks on Sutlej River — from Ganda Singhwala to Islam Headworks — will be examined as part of the broader vulnerability assessment plan.

“Based on the survey results, recommendations will be submitted to the Punjab government to strengthen these structures ahead of any future floods,” Dr. Sial said.

“A strategy will also be developed to minimize flood-related losses in future,” he added.

Reducing Flood Damage and Protecting Agriculture

Dr. Sial expressed hope that fortifying spurs and embankments would significantly reduce flood damage in the coming years to avert human and crop losses.

Agriculture, the mainstay of Punjab’s economy, depends heavily on surface water from rivers distributed through an extensive canal network spanning 36,862 kilometers.

This includes around 6,500 km of main and branch canals and 31,050 km of distributaries and minors, forming one of the largest irrigation systems in the region.

Technical Assistance from IWMI

The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) has also been providing technical assistance to the Punjab Irrigation Department to help rehabilitate the province’s water system following the recent flood damage.

According to an IWMI spokesperson, under the Water Resource Accountability in Pakistan (WRAP) program, the institute is collaborating with the provincial irrigation department to improve water resource management and enhance climate resilience at both provincial and district levels.

“We are currently working with the Punjab Irrigation Department to formulate a strategy for the efficient use of water for agriculture in the post-flood context,” IWMI spokesman Amjad Jamal told this reporter.

He added that IWMI, headquartered in Sri Lanka, had recently organized consultative workshops to engage relevant stakeholders. Jamal noted that IWMI was also providing training on tools such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and soil moisture sensors to improve efficiency and sustainability in water management.

He hoped that the collaboration would go a long way toward promoting water stewardship in Pakistan like other water-stressed regions of the world.

Author Profile

Muhammad Luqman: Muhammad Luqman is an experienced journalist specializing in agriculture, livestock, and rural development in Pakistan.

He writes insightful reports on government initiatives, economic potential, and policy impacts in the agriculture and livestock sectors, highlighting how local programs shape livelihoods and boost national and international markets.