Border Residents worried lot ahead of monsoon 

Ferozepur, July 2, 2024: More than 100 acre of agricultural land inundated due to breach of embankment of Sutlej river yesterday night at Gatti Rajo ke village which is situated near the international border. Due to the breach, the paddy crops have been destroyed. 

It is pertinent to mention here that with the impending arrival of the monsoon, anxiety grips the inhabitants of border villages situated alongside the Sutlej. The frightening memories of the last year are still imprinted on the minds of the residents of the border villages including Kaluwala, Chandiwala, Kamale Wala, Alike, Gatti Rajoke, Jhugge Hajara Singh Wala, Jallo Ke, Bhane Wala, Bhakhra, Tendi Wala, Metab Singh, Sheene Wala, Churi Wala, Khunder Gatti, New Bare Ke and others, when the mighty Sutlej has unleashed its wrath. 

Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Dhiman along with other senior officials today visited Gatti Rajo Ke and took stock of the situation ahead of Monsoon. He also checked the river embankment and emphasized the need for its timely completion to prevent any damage to the surrounding areas. He also interacted with local residents and listened to their concerns, assuring them of prompt action on their grievances.

Geetesh Upveaj XEN Drainage said that the department has made sufficient arrangements ahead of monsoon season. “The department has received the grant of Rs. 8 crores from the centre government and around 1.5 crore from the state government. However, the department has asked for additional funds of Rs.4 Crore”, said Upveja adding that till date 31 drains have been cleaned and efforts are being made to strengthen the embankments. He also claimed that there is no encroachment at Dhussi Bandh in the area. 

The villagers however claimed that at several places the river embankments are damaged which may cause severe loss to the villagers ahead of rainy season. Besides, no efforts have been made to strengthen the “Dhussi bandh” in Ferozepur.  Jagdish Kumar of Kaluwala village said the administration has not made sufficient efforts to strengthen the “Dhussi Bandh”. “The administration should ensure proper arrangements so that once again our life does not get into trouble”, he said.