Flood Situation Near the Beas River: Latest Updates, Impact, and Relief Measures
The flood situation near the Beas River has once again put large parts of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab on high alert. Heavy rainfall in the Himalayan region, combined with controlled water releases from the Pong Dam, has caused the Beas to swell beyond safe levels. This has led to flash floods, embankment breaches, road damage, and widespread evacuations in low-lying areas.
For residents living near the riverbanks, the Beas is not just a natural landmark but a lifeline that supports farming, tourism, and livelihoods. However, during the monsoon, the same river often turns destructive. This year’s floods have brought back memories of past disasters and raised urgent questions about preparedness, infrastructure, and climate resilience.
Background: Why the Beas River Is Prone to Flooding
The Beas River originates from Beas Kund near Rohtang Pass in Himachal Pradesh and flows through Kullu, Mandi, Kangra, and Hoshiarpur before merging with the Sutlej in Punjab. Along its journey, it nourishes fertile plains and supports tourism hubs like Manali. However, its geographical location makes it highly vulnerable:
- Glacial melt and rainfall in the Himalayas quickly swell the river during monsoons.
- Hydropower dams and barrages, though crucial for energy and irrigation, often need emergency water releases after heavy rains, which intensifies flooding downstream.
- Encroachments on floodplains worsen the damage by restricting the river’s natural flow.
This combination makes the Beas one of the most unpredictable rivers during India’s rainy season.
Latest Flood Situation Updates
1. Himachal Pradesh – Infrastructure Hit Hard
In the Kullu–Manali region, the river has washed away parts of the Chandigarh–Manali highway, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded. The famous Manali–Leh road has also been blocked due to landslides and waterlogging. Hotels, restaurants, and shops along the riverfront have reported heavy losses.
Local authorities have urged tourists to postpone travel, while the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is working round-the-clock to restore connectivity.
2. Punjab – Villages Underwater
In Punjab, the Beas has caused breaches in embankments near Motla and Mehtabpur villages in Hoshiarpur district. Water has flooded agricultural land, submerging standing crops of paddy and maize. More than 20 villages across the Fazilka, Gurdaspur, Kapurthala, and Ferozepur districts have been evacuated.
The administration, supported by NDRF, SDRF, and the Army, has shifted residents to relief camps and schools. Medical teams and community kitchens have been deployed to assist evacuees.
3. Government Response
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has announced a special girdawari (crop damage survey) and promised full compensation to affected families. Himachal Pradesh officials have issued strict advisories against venturing near riversides, while traffic diversions have been put in place for stranded tourists.
Human Impact: Stories From the Ground
While official data focuses on infrastructure damage and evacuations, the human side of the crisis is equally heartbreaking. Farmers are watching their fields drown under muddy waters, wiping out an entire season’s income. Families in Hoshiarpur and Kapurthala have left behind their homes, carrying only essentials, unsure of what they will return to.
Tourism operators in Himachal Pradesh report cancellations that could cripple the industry during what is usually the busiest season. Meanwhile, locals in villages near the Indo-Pak border are living in fear, as rising waters threaten to cut off their access to food and healthcare. (Flood Situation Near the Beas River)
Environmental Concerns
Experts point out that frequent floods along the Beas are a reminder of climate change and poor river management. Rapid urbanization, deforestation in catchment areas, and unplanned construction on floodplains reduce the river’s natural capacity to absorb excess water.
If long-term measures such as sustainable embankments, improved drainage systems, and flood zoning are not implemented, such disasters will keep repeating with increasing intensity.
Relief and What Lies Ahead
Authorities have stepped up relief operations with boats, helicopters, and ground teams. Temporary shelters are being provided, and NGOs are distributing food, medicines, and clothing. Yet, challenges remain:
- Ensuring clean drinking water to prevent disease outbreaks.
- Providing compensation and rehabilitation for farmers who lost crops.
- Rebuilding roads and restoring connectivity to remote villages.
Looking ahead, experts urge the need for flood forecasting systems, better dam management, and community training for disaster response. (Flood Situation Near the Beas River)
