Gurdaspur: 40-foot breach in canal near Sathiali headworks floods homes and fields, farmers face heavy losses
A major breach in Upper Bari Doab Canal near Sathiali Headworks in Gurdaspur flooded nearby homes and agricultural fields. Residents and farmers have reported significant losses and are demanding compensation
PTC Web Desk: A major breach in the Upper Bari Doab Canal near Sathiali Headworks in Punjab's Gurdaspur district has caused widespread flooding in nearby residential areas and farmlands, raising concerns over the condition of irrigation infrastructure in the state.
According to local residents, the canal developed a breach of more than 40 feet during the night, allowing large volumes of water to flow into nearby villages, houses and agricultural fields. The flooding reportedly spread across the Sri Hargobindpur-Gurdaspur road before entering surrounding residential areas.
Migrant workers staying at a canal rest house said they were awakened around 3 am when water suddenly entered their rooms. It was only then that they realised the canal had burst and water was rapidly spreading through the area.
The incident has caused extensive damage to household belongings and standing crops. Residents, including Tarsem Singh, Surjit Singh and other affected families, said stored wheat, household items and other valuables were submerged in floodwater. They added that the full extent of the losses is yet to be assessed.
Farmers in the area said their recently transplanted paddy crop is now under water. Many fear the crop may not survive, resulting in significant financial losses. They also expressed concern that they do not have enough nursery plants available for replanting if the crop is completely destroyed.
Officials from the irrigation department present at the site did not immediately comment on the cause of the breach. Meanwhile, efforts to seal the damaged section of the canal are underway. Heavy earthmoving machines have been deployed, but repair work is proving difficult due to the continued flow of water.
The incident has drawn attention to the state government's claims regarding canal strengthening and irrigation improvements. Residents and farmers have demanded an immediate survey of the damage, financial compensation for affected families and long-term measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.