Kuljeet1, Manisha2*, Ravinder3
Abstract:
This study analyzes flood events in Punjab, India, in 2025 using Resourcesat-2 AWiFS and Sentinel-2 satellite data combined with GIS and remote sensing techniques. Punjab, known for its fertile alluvial plains and major rivers like the Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi, experienced widespread flooding due to factors such as heavy monsoon rainfall, fast-flowing rivers from upland areas, and topography. The study used pre-processing, layer stacking, atmospheric correction, supervised classification, and digitization to estimate land use and flood-affected areas. The results show that approximately 143,320 hectares of area was affected by floods, with paddy (118,135 hectares) and cotton (328 hectares) being the most affected crops. Gurdaspur, Tarn Taran, Firozpur, and Fazilka districts were the worst affected. Weak dams, illegal sand mining, river alluvial deposits, unplanned construction on floodplains, and inadequate drainage infrastructure exacerbate flooding. The study highlights both natural and anthropogenic factors and emphasizes the need for flood management strategies such as floodplain restoration, improved drainage, and warning systems to reduce future risks.