Mansa lies in Punjab’s Malwa region and borders Haryana. It is known for cotton cultivation and the Ghaggar river around Sardulgarh. Crop losses and farm debt are major challenges, alongside flood risks and health concerns. In August and September 2025, statewide floods prompted preparedness reviews along the Ghaggar. For the Punjab Civil Services (PCS) interview, connect Mansa’s agricultural strengths with practical ways to reduce rural vulnerability.
Timeline: Mansa in 5 stops
- 1992District formationFormed
Mansa was carved out of Bathinda district.
- Jul 2023Ghaggar breachesFlood
The Ghaggar breached its banks at several points in the Sardulgarh area.
- Jul 2023Town affectedInundation
Floodwater entered Sardulgarh town and villages in nearby blocks.
- Mar 2025Statewide campaignLaunched
Punjab began Yudh Nashian Virudh, its statewide anti-drug campaign.
- Aug–Sept 2025Statewide floodsPreparedness
Statewide floods prompted preparedness reviews along the Ghaggar.
Know your district
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Mansa |
| Region | Malwa, in southern Punjab |
| Formed | Carved out of Bathinda district in 1992 |
| Rivers and terrain | The Ghaggar flows through the Sardulgarh area. |
| Borders | Haryana |
| Known for | Cotton cultivation and the Ghaggar river |
| Economy | Agriculture is important; cotton farmers face pest and crop-loss risks. |
Places and people the board may ask about
- Mansa: The district headquarters is a centre for district administration.
- Sardulgarh: The town lies in the Ghaggar area and was affected by flooding in 2023.
- Budhlada: This town gives its name to a block where villages were affected by the 2023 floods.
- Bareta: It is a town in Mansa district.
- Ghaggar river: Its course through the Sardulgarh area makes flood preparedness an important local concern.
Strengths and challenges
Strengths
- Cotton cultivation is an established part of the local agricultural economy.
- Farming communities have experience organising around shared concerns.
- Towns such as Budhlada, Sardulgarh and Bareta provide local centres for residents.
Challenges
- Pink bollworm damage, farm debt and farmer suicides are serious concerns.
- Ghaggar flooding threatens settlements and farmland around Sardulgarh.
- Cancer cases in the Malwa belt make accessible screening and treatment important.
What happened in 2025-26
- March 2025: Punjab began its statewide Yudh Nashian Virudh campaign on 1 March. Village defence committees were formed in villages, including in Malwa districts.
- August–September 2025: Punjab’s statewide floods led to preparedness reviews along the Ghaggar, including its course through Mansa’s Sardulgarh area.
If you were DC of Mansa
- Crop-loss relief: Review pending claims with agriculture and revenue officials, publish their status and provide a grievance channel.
- Farm resilience: Work with agriculture officers to improve pest surveillance and advise farmers on suitable crop diversification.
- Flood readiness: Map vulnerable Ghaggar settlements, check evacuation routes and coordinate warnings with neighbouring administrations.
- Health access: Coordinate with health institutions on cancer awareness, screening and referral, recognising the wider Malwa public health challenge.
- Drug response: Coordinate prevention and treatment referrals with health teams and village committees, while respecting due process.
Likely interview questions
Tell us about Mansa and what it is known for.
Answer pointers:
- Locate it in Malwa, bordering Haryana.
- Mention cotton and the Ghaggar near Sardulgarh.
- Close with the need for resilient agriculture and flood preparedness.
How would you discuss crop losses and farm debt in Mansa without overlooking agriculture’s strengths?
Answer pointers:
- Recognise cotton’s role in local livelihoods.
- Explain pest damage, debt and delayed relief as linked pressures.
- Suggest timely assessment, pest advice and viable diversification.
As Deputy Commissioner (DC), how would you respond to a flood warning for Sardulgarh?
Answer pointers:
- Verify forecasts and identify vulnerable settlements.
- Coordinate warnings, evacuation, shelters and essential services.
- Assess damage transparently and support recovery.
Why is the Ghaggar significant for Mansa?
Answer pointers:
- It flows through the Sardulgarh area.
- Recall the breaches and inundation of 2023.
- Connect the river to preparedness and coordinated response.
How does Mansa’s experience connect with Punjab’s wider public health challenges?
Answer pointers:
- Recognise cancer cases in the wider Malwa belt.
- Avoid assuming a single cause without evidence.
- Support accessible screening, referral and reliable health information.
Speak with pride about Mansa’s farming communities without overlooking their difficulties. Be ready with a practical proposal on crop relief or flood preparedness.
Prelims Practice Corner
Q1. Mansa district was carved out of which district?
(a) Bathinda (b) Amritsar (c) Gurdaspur (d) Hoshiarpur
Show answer
Answer: (a) because Mansa was carved out of Bathinda in 1992.
Q2. Which river flows through the Sardulgarh area?
(a) Ravi (b) Beas (c) Ghaggar (d) Chenab
Show answer
Answer: (c) because the Ghaggar flows through the Sardulgarh area of Mansa.
Q3. Mansa belongs to which region of Punjab?
(a) Majha (b) Malwa (c) Doaba (d) Kandi
Show answer
Answer: (b) because Mansa is in the Malwa region.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mansa district famous for?
Mansa is known for cotton cultivation and the Ghaggar river. The river flows through the district’s Sardulgarh area.
When was Mansa district formed?
Mansa district was formed in 1992. It was carved out of Bathinda district.
Which state borders Mansa district?
Haryana borders Mansa district. Mansa lies in Punjab’s Malwa region.
Sources: The Tribune: crop-loss relief, The Tribune: cotton pest damage, The Tribune: Sardulgarh flooding, Punjab Government
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