3 min readJul 27, 2023 10:06 AM IST
First published on: Jul 27, 2023 at 07:24 AM IST
Around 25 border villages of Ferozepur and Fazilka appear to be at risk of flooding due to increasing flow of water in Sutlej river from Hussainiwala and Harike headworks in Ferozepur, although authorities are saying there is nothing to panic and the situation is under control.
Although the river water has entered the agriculture fields of these villages, the village areas are safe as of now. Last week water had receded in the fields, but now once again the farms have been inundated with water and the villagers are on edge as the areas appear to be at risk of flooding.
Speaking to The Indian Express, Nikas Khichar, Fazilka Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM), said, “Around 94,000 cubic feet per second water is flowing from Hussainiwala headworks because of which 13 villages close to the border have got their agriculture fields inundated with water. But the villages are safe. One family of eight people from Teja Ruhela village has shifted to the flood relief camp. They were living in a low-lying area near the fields. Otherwise, rest of the families are in the village only. We are sending green fodder for the animals in the villages.”
Information revealed that as a precautionary measure, many villagers have shifted their valuables and a few other stuff to their relatives’ houses in other villages. The elderly, sick and pregnant women have also been moved out and put up at their relatives’ houses. Mahatam Nagar, Mohar Jamsher and Dona Nanka, among others, are the affected villages in Fazilka.
In Ferozepur, agriculture fields of more than 12 villages are flooded. Kaluwala, Aalewala, Fattewala, Dheera Ghara and other villages are staying vigilant.
“Rajasthan has refused to take any water from Punjab at this time and so there is no supply to Bikaner canal, while excess water of the Sutlej is flowing through Harike and Hussainiwala headworks to border villages. If Rajasthan can’t take water at this stage, it shouldn’t be given water when it needs it actually,” said Amar Singh Jhok from Ferozepur while talking to The Indian Express. Amar Singh Jhok is a member of Misl Sutlej, which looks into issues pertaining to Punjab water.
Ferozepur Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Dhiman said, “As of now the situation is under control and we are keeping a close watch. Villagers are being provided necessary relief material. People should always contact at control room numbers in case of emergency or if any help is needed.”
Water from the Sutlej floods fields in a Fazilka village. (Express photo) 
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