Punjab's border districts on high alert as incessant rains raise flooding concerns
Chandigarh, July 10: The border districts of Ferozepur and Fazilka in Punjab are on high alert as incessant rainfall in the western Himalayan region threatens to cause flooding. Deputy Commissioners from both districts have visited villages in border areas along the Sutlej River to assess the situation.
As a precautionary measure, the Punjab Home Secretary has advised residents of approximately 10 villages in Fazilka to relocate to relief camps set up by the district administration. Relief camps have been established in villages such as Mojam, Hastkalan, Asafwala, and St Kabir Polytechnic College in Fazilka.
Although Fazilka has not yet experienced heavy downpours, the district remains at risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Sutlej River.
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The release of water from dams in Himachal Pradesh, including Ropar headworks, is expected to reach Fazilka through the Sutlej River in the next 24 hours. The Punjab Home Secretary emphasized the need for vigilance and precautionary measures, as certain vulnerable villages are significantly affected during flood-like situations.
Similarly, in Ferozepur, the Deputy Commissioner visited approximately 20 border villages along the Sutlej River in the Hussainiwala area. The residents were advised to move to safer locations along with their livestock. The administration has established flood control rooms to provide assistance to villagers and ensure their safety. The Border Security Force is also on high alert in the region.
In other parts of Punjab, such as Faridkot and Moga, heavy rainfall has caused infrastructure damage and waterlogging. A link road between Bhaloor village in Moga and Faridkot district collapsed, disrupting connectivity. Additionally, over 1000 acres of agriculture fields in Bhaloor village have been submerged in rainwater.
In Sangrur, Punjab Water Resources Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer assured the public that the water resources department is prepared to handle any adverse situations due to increased water levels in reservoirs.
Waterlogging and sewerage issues have been reported in Bathinda, with some low-lying areas affected. In an unfortunate incident, three Punjab State Power Corporation Limited employees sustained burn injuries after a transformer caught fire during repair work in Golewala, Bathinda.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and taking necessary measures to mitigate the impact of heavy rainfall in various parts of Punjab.
Also Read: Torrential rain wreaks havoc in north India: Himachal Pradesh drowns, Delhi-NCR braces for more
- With inputs from agencies
