Ludhiana: In an effort to strengthen flood protection before the peak monsoon season, Punjab has begun constructing its first geo-tube-based embankment along the Sutlej River in Ludhiana’s Sasrali area. The high-tech project is being executed to safeguard vulnerable villages after last year’s floods breached a section of the traditional river embankment.
The new flood-control structure, extending for nearly one kilometre, is replacing the damaged stretch that was washed away during heavy monsoon flows in 2025. Authorities opted for geo-tube technology after conventional earth embankments were considered unsuitable because of changes in the river’s course.
Work on the project has been underway for the past two months, with engineers racing to complete the embankment before water levels rise further. Officials say the technology offers a stronger and more durable solution to combat riverbank erosion.
The geo-tube system consists of large geotextile containers filled with a sand-and-water mixture. Once the water drains out, the tubes become solid sand-filled barriers weighing several tonnes each. Engineers are installing the tubes in multiple layers before covering them with soil and protective material to create a broad, elevated embankment capable of withstanding strong currents.
Project officials claim the design is based on international engineering practices and has the flexibility to adjust to ground movement without cracking. The embankment has also been built higher than the flood levels recorded during last year’s monsoon, with authorities estimating a service life of several decades.
Punjab’s Irrigation Department has identified more than 130 vulnerable locations along the Sutlej, Beas and Ghaggar rivers where preventive works are either underway or planned. Officials believe modern technologies such as geo-tubes can significantly reduce the risk of breaches compared to traditional methods that relied heavily on sandbags and earthen bunds.
Despite appreciating the government’s efforts, residents of Sasrali and nearby villages remain cautious. Local farmers and community representatives have expressed concern that the protective stone pitching planned along the river-facing side of the embankment has not yet been completed.
According to villagers, the stone reinforcement is essential to absorb the force of floodwaters and prevent erosion around the newly constructed structure. They fear that without this additional layer of protection, the embankment could still face pressure during periods of intense flooding.
Residents have urged the administration to expedite the remaining work before the monsoon reaches its peak, saying the project will only provide complete security once all protective measures are in place. They hope the combination of advanced engineering and timely completion will help prevent a repeat of last year’s flood damage.
