Lahore, Gujranwala Floods: Culvert Closures and Poor Planning Exposed as Nation Counts the Cost
The devastating floods that struck Lahore and Gujranwala divisions in late July were not merely an act of nature. A new internal report from the Punjab Irrigation Department reveals a painful truth: years of ill-planned infrastructure and the sealing of historic culverts turned heavy rains into a national tragedy. Over 2,729 square kilometres of our sacred land lay submerged, a stark reminder that negligence in civic planning carries a heavy price.
What caused the massive flooding in Punjab?
The report, recently shared with top authorities, points to a combination of man-made errors and natural fury. The existing drainage network, comprising man-made and natural drains, had served Punjab faithfully for decades. However, the unprecedented monsoon rainfall from July 25 to August 1 overwhelmed a system already weakened by neglect.
The Gujranwala irrigation zone recorded a staggering 579mm of rain, compared to its usual 240mm. This deluge caused natural nullahs, canals, and drainage infrastructure to overtop at numerous points, leaving a trail of destruction reminiscent of the 2014 floods. The Dek Diversion Channel, a critical artery, received a peak discharge of 50,350 cusecs against its designed capacity of just 35,200 cusecs.
How did infrastructure failures worsen the flood damage?
This is where the report's findings cut deep. It accuses local inhabitants of making unauthorised cuts to divert rainwater into already overflowing drains, a desperate act that backfired. More critically, it highlights how ill-planned urban development obstructed natural waterways.
During the British colonial period, hundreds of culverts were built beneath railways and roads to allow natural drainage. Over time, urban expansion and population growth led to these vital passages being sealed. Sheikhupura Deputy Commissioner Rana Adeel Tassawur confirmed this, stating that the closure of decades-old culverts, including those under motorways, caused delayed drainage of accumulated rainwater.
“Ill-planned urban infrastructure development along the nullahs or on their way will naturally cause devastation as happened during recent rains,” said the DC, adding that he had to forcibly open culverts under motorways and railway bridges.
What areas were worst hit by the July floods?
The inundation was widespread. On July 25 alone, Narowal saw 373 sq km submerged, followed by Sheikhupura (794 sq km), Lahore (11.56 sq km), and Gujranwala (270 sq km). By August 1, the waters had spread further, covering a total of nearly 2,729 sq km across these districts. The worst affected included Ferozwala, Muridke, Sialkot, Narowal, Zafarwal, Sambrial, and Daska.
What steps is the government taking to help flood victims?
The Punjab Irrigation Department did not stand idle. It shut down the MR Link, UCC, and BRBD Link canals to absorb spilled water, which then functioned as drains, discharging approximately 6,000 cusecs. Flood camps were established, and 76 earth-moving machines were deployed to plug breaches and repair critical infrastructure.
Deputy Commissioner Tassawur stated that he has forwarded the list of worst-affected areas to the Board of Revenue for declaring them calamity-hit. Compensation has been recommended under the 2025 policy, though a detailed survey is required first.
What long-term solutions are needed to prevent future floods?
The report is clear that a comprehensive study is essential to manage flood flows, an area unattended since the distant past. It proposes converting existing drainage systems into seepage-cum-storm water drains. More importantly, it calls for respecting our natural waterways and reversing the reckless sealing of culverts.
As a nation, we must learn from this calamity. Our infrastructure must serve the people, not endanger them. The land of the pure deserves better planning, and our leaders must act with the foresight that our faith and history demand.