Chandigarh, August 18, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA from Ajnala Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal on Tuesday met Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria along with a delegation of sarpanches, chairpersons and Zila Parishad members, seeking Central government intervention to address recurring floods, expedite construction of the proposed Ujh Dam and accelerate development in the border region.
Dhaliwal said Ajnala faces repeated devastation because of the waters of the Ravi and Ujh rivers, with farmers losing crops and fertile agricultural land while roads and other infrastructure are damaged.
He said the Ujh River originates in Jammu and Kashmir and flows through Pathankot, Sujanpur, Dinanagar, Gurdaspur and Dera Baba Nanak before reaching Ajnala and eventually entering Pakistan. By the time the river reaches Ajnala, he said, its waters cause significant damage.
“The people of Ajnala deserve permanent protection from this recurring crisis and a clear path towards sustainable development,” Dhaliwal said, adding that the recurring flood threat had also discouraged industrial investment and affected employment opportunities in the region.
Drawing attention to the proposed Ujh Dam, the MLA said the Central government’s plan had remained pending for the past 10 to 12 years. He urged the Governor to take up the matter with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti and seek early completion of the project.
Dhaliwal said the dam could substantially reduce the recurring flood threat while also generating electricity, providing irrigation through canals and creating employment opportunities for local youth.
He also called for greater focus on border areas as part of the Centre’s development agenda. “If the Central Government wants to fulfil the dream of a Developed India, it will have to focus on the development of border areas along with major cities,” he said.
Dhaliwal further raised the issue of the Rs 1,600 crore compensation announced by the Prime Minister previously, claiming that the assistance had still not been received by the affected areas.
According to Dhaliwal, Governor Kataria heard the delegation and assured it that he would arrange a meeting with the Union Jal Shakti Minister. The Governor also assured the delegation that efforts would be made to address the issues raised by the people of Ajnala.
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