Ajnala MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal met Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, seeking a permanent solution to the recurring Ajnala flood crisis.

The Ajnala flood crisis has once again come into focus after Ajnala MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal met Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria on Tuesday and urged the authorities to take concrete steps for a long-term solution to the recurring floods in the border constituency.

Dhaliwal met the Governor along with a delegation comprising local representatives, including sarpanches, chairpersons and Zila Parishad members. The delegation highlighted the difficulties faced by residents because of repeated flooding and sought intervention for the completion of the long-pending Ujh River dam project.

Recurring Floods Causing Damage in Ajnala

Speaking to the media after the meeting, Dhaliwal said he placed the concerns of Ajnala residents before the Governor. According to him, rising water levels in the Ravi and Ujh rivers have created a recurring flood threat in the region.

The Ajnala flood crisis has particularly affected agricultural communities, with farmers facing repeated crop losses. Dhaliwal said roads and schools are also damaged during flooding, while large stretches of fertile agricultural land are affected by the flow of water.

Ujh River Project Raised During Meeting

Dhaliwal highlighted the need to address the long-pending Ujh River dam project as part of a permanent flood-management strategy. The Ujh River enters Punjab from Jammu and Kashmir and passes through several areas, including Pathankot, Sujanpur, Dinanagar, Gurdaspur and Dera Baba Nanak before reaching Ajnala.

According to the MLA, water flowing through these areas eventually reaches Ajnala and can cause significant damage before moving towards Pakistan.

He argued that a long-term infrastructure solution is necessary to reduce the impact of recurring floods instead of relying only on relief measures after every flood.

also read:- Punjab AI Education Programme: Schools To Start AI…

Floods Affect Agriculture and Development

The Ajnala flood crisis has not only affected farmers but has also created wider challenges for the region’s development. Repeated damage to roads, educational institutions and agricultural land has placed additional pressure on local communities.

Dhaliwal also said the persistent risk of flooding has discouraged industries from establishing operations in the area. He stressed that protecting border regions from recurring natural disasters is essential for ensuring balanced development.

Border Areas Need Equal Attention

The Ajnala MLA said border areas should receive the same level of attention as major cities if the country is to achieve the vision of a developed India.

He argued that development cannot be considered complete if border constituencies continue to face prolonged infrastructure and flood-related challenges. According to him, permanent flood-control measures could help protect livelihoods while creating better conditions for economic activity in the region.

₹1,600 Crore Compensation Package Raised

Dhaliwal also raised the issue of a ₹1,600-crore compensation package that, according to him, was announced by the Prime Minister during the previous flood situation.

He claimed that the promised compensation has not yet reached the affected people and urged authorities to look into the matter.

Governor Assures Further Meeting

During the meeting, Governor Gulab Chand Kataria heard the delegation’s concerns and assured them of further action. According to Dhaliwal, the Governor said he would arrange a meeting with the Union Jal Shakti Minister and the delegation.

The proposed meeting is expected to provide an opportunity to discuss the long-standing flood-related challenges and explore measures for a permanent solution.

The Ajnala flood crisis remains a major concern for farmers and residents of the border constituency. Dhaliwal said sustained intervention and long-term infrastructure planning are needed to protect crops, public infrastructure and fertile land from recurring flood damage.