Chandigarh, Oct 24: Punjab has suffered one of its most extensive flood-related land losses in decades, with 15 of its 23 districts reporting over 5,300 acres of land washed away during the August-September floods. State records show precisely 5,307 acres removed from the map by powerful currents in the Ravi, Beas and Sutlej rivers, the latter after its junction with the Beas at Harike.
The largest impact was recorded in Amritsar (1,515 acres), followed by Ferozepur (1,101 acres), Gurdaspur (544 acres), Nawanshahr (539 acres) and Kapurthala (376 acres). Smaller but still significant losses occurred in Ludhiana, Fazilka, Mohali, Pathankot and Jalandhar. In Tarn Taran, Patiala, Hoshiarpur and Moga, the erosion was under 100 acres each.
Investigations point to a combination of geological and human factors. As the rivers changed course over time — some banklines shifting by approximately 100 ft in a decade — former riverbeds became exposed and were often claimed, developed or allotted by successive administrations. Revenue officials described how village lands in Tarn Taran now lie within old riverbeds of the Beas and Sutlej. The relatively inexpensive land and historically modest flood-risk made it attractive. But this year’s floods proved otherwise.
In addition, the issue of illegal mining in riverbeds has resurfaced. Though the state and central government have clashed publicly over the practice, revenue officials in affected districts privately acknowledge that mining may have undermined riverbank stability and increased vulnerability to erosion.
On the relief front, landowners will receive ₹19,000 per acre under the SDRF norms. However, farmers warn this may not cover the full fallout. “I won’t be able to cultivate these eight acres for at least three to four years,” said Major Singh of Pathankot, whose land along the Ujh river was lost to the floods.
Officials confirm the scale of the event is unparalleled. “Initially, when the data came, we thought of getting a second assessment done,” Verma said. “But it confirmed our worst fears.” With the assessments now complete, the government says it will proceed with compensation payouts to those impacted.
