While Punjab grapples with severe flooding in August 2025, leaving over 1,000 villages inundated and 61,000 hectares of farmland submerged, Chandigarh has largely remained safe, prompting questions about the reasons behind this disparity. Is Chandigarh's ability to avoid floods attributable to its natural drainage systems?

Chandigarh's relative safety can be attributed to its network of choes, which are seasonal rivulets that act as stormwater highways. The city has five major choes, including Sukhna Choe, N-Choe, Patiala Ki Rao, and Dhanas Choe, that efficiently carry rainwater into the Ghaggar river system. These choes serve as "safety valves," preventing low-lying areas from being submerged after heavy downpours. Sukhna Choe also feeds into Sukhna Lake, while N-Choe carries stormwater through the city to Mohali. Continuous monitoring and assessment of waterlogging, especially at vulnerable points, further contributes to the city's flood preparedness.

Conversely, Punjab's flooding woes stem from a combination of factors. Heavy monsoon rains caused rivers like the Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi to overflow, breaching their banks and inundating nearby villages and agricultural lands. Controlled water releases from upstream dams exacerbated the situation, leading to sudden water rises downstream. Furthermore, inadequate urban drainage systems in Punjab's cities slowed water runoff, leading to accumulated floodwaters and worsened urban flooding. Encroachments on floodplains, reducing natural water absorption zones, have also increased vulnerability to flooding. The failure to desilt rivers, reducing their water-carrying capacity, and the encroachment and concretization of natural drainage systems have further compounded the problem. Unchecked garbage mismanagement, with polybags and plastic waste choking drains, also contributes to the issue.

The 2025 Punjab floods have impacted over 1,018 villages and 61,000 hectares of farmland, particularly in districts like Gurdaspur, Kapurthala, Ferozepur, and Pathankot. Approximately 1.46 million residents have been affected, leading to large-scale evacuations and school closures. The Indian Air Force and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed for rescue operations, and relief camps have been set up to provide shelter, food, and medical assistance. The state government has requested urgent relief from the Prime Minister, seeking the release of pending central funds and increased farmer compensation.

In contrast, Mohali, which neighbors Chandigarh, has also faced challenges due to heavy rainfall, but authorities assert that the flood situation is under control. Special arrangements have been made in Derabassi, with flood-control points established and teams deployed with essential equipment. Sukhna Choe has been cleared of silt and obstructions to ensure smooth water flow.

While Chandigarh's natural drainage system plays a crucial role in preventing floods, it is important to note that the city is not entirely immune to waterlogging. Heavy rainfall in September 2025 disrupted normal life, leading to flooding and waterlogging in some areas. The city's three major choes overflowed, impacting the drainage system and prompting the Municipal Corporation (MC) to be on high alert. Underpasses were flooded, and traffic was diverted as a precaution. These events highlight the need for continuous monitoring, maintenance, and improvement of drainage infrastructure, even in cities with well-designed natural drainage systems.

The comparison between Chandigarh and Punjab reveals the importance of natural drainage systems, urban planning, and disaster management in mitigating flood risks. While Chandigarh's choes have proven effective in managing stormwater, Punjab's vulnerability stems from a combination of natural factors, human-induced issues, and inadequate infrastructure. The Punjab government is working to provide relief and compensation to those affected by the floods. Learning from both Chandigarh's successes and Punjab's challenges can inform strategies for more effective flood management and resilience in the region.