Panic grips Fazilka villages after rainfall

Panic has gripped more than 10 flood-prone villages falling across Kawan Wali Pattan bridge near the International Border in Fazilka following a rise in the water level in the Sutlej after the recent rainfall.

Shubeg Singh, a resident of Jhangar Bhaini village, said the flash flood had played havoc two years ago and villagers were left high and dry in the absence of any desired support from the government.

He said the water level had increased in the Sutlej in the past two days. Hansa Singh, former sarpanch of Mohar Jamsher village, which is surrounded by Pakistan from three sides and the Sutlej from the fourth, said the situation was under control at the moment, but needs to be monitored continuously. “Whenever water is released from the upstream, our villages always get flooded,” he said.

Sources said the water was being released on a regular basis from the upstream.

Fazilka Additional Deputy Commissioner Mandeep Kaur said, “Though water level has increased, it is still flowing below the Kawan Wali Pattan bridge. At present, there’s no threat of flash floods.”

She said all arrangements were in place to deal with any exigency. “Three information and relief centres have been set up in Fazilka, Abohar and Jalalabad sub-divisions. Besides, tarpaulins and boats have been arranged,” said the ADC.

Sarpanch Harmesh Warwal of Jhangar Bhain village said the border roads damaged during the 2023 flash floods hadn’t been constructed yet.

Sahil Gagneja, Executive Engineer, Punjab Mandi Board, said an estimate of Rs 6 crore was sent to the government to construct around 47 km roads damaged during the floods.

Punjab