Flood-hit Fazilka, Ferozepur still battling ‘yearly nightmare’, farmers seek permanent solution

Sawna carried green fodder for distribution among cattle rearers whose fodder crops were submerged in floodwaters. During the visit, he also inspected the embankment being constructed in the area and said it would provide major relief. He asked the officials to complete the ‘girdawari’ (crop loss assessment) at the earliest so that compensation could be disbursed quickly. Listening to the grievances of villagers, he further promised that the government would not only resolve immediate difficulties but also work towards a permanent solution to the recurring flood problem.

The MLA later met Punjab Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal in Chandigarh to press for a permanent solution to the Sutlej creek flooding in Fazilka. The MLA pointed out that while one side of the Sutlej creek has an embankment, the other side remains unprotected, causing water to overflow into farmlands and villages year after year.

“This has become a yearly nightmare for farmers. A permanent solution is the need of the hour,” Sawna told the minister, adding that the Bhagwant Mann-led government is known for resolving long-pending issues and must address this one firmly. Goyal assured him that the department would prepare a concrete plan to provide lasting relief to farmers of Fazilka.

Sawna also met Revenue Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian, demanding early compensation for crop and house damage in border areas. He particularly highlighted the plight of cultivators farming on tenancy or informal arrangements, who often remain outside the compensation ambit. “Most farmers here are small and own very little land. Even that gets destroyed in floods. They must be supported,” he said. Mundian assured that the government would act in the interest of farmers.

This is the first time that an AAP legislator has formally raised the issue of early compensation with the revenue minister, even as Opposition parties like Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), Congress, and BJP have been consistently targeting the government on this front.

In neighbouring Ferozepur district, Deputy Commissioner Deepsikha Sharma visited embankments at Dheera Gharan and Aalewala villages to review strengthening measures, accompanied by SDM Gurmeet Singh. She said the river level had risen slightly but was continuously receding. Officials, with the help of villagers, reinforced embankments at Tendi Wala village using soil bags on Wednesday morning.

“Both villages are surrounded by water from all sides.. water on roads has receded, but still existing, hence commuting via roads is risky in these villages,” Iqbal Singh Mallah, Nambardar of Muthianwala, Jamabega and Balamega villages, said.

Villagers of Dheerakara and Aalewala requested a special camp for veterinary medicines, following which instructions were issued to the animal husbandry department, the Deputy Commissioner said.

She added that the district administration was maintaining close contact with residents of all riverine villages from Harike Headworks to Guru Harsahai. Medical camps were also being organised in Kutboodeen Wala, Nihala Lavera, Navi Gatti Rajoke and other villages to provide basic health services. “There is no need to panic,” Sharma assured.

Farmers’ frustration

Despite official assurances, farmers are increasingly frustrated over the delay in compensation. “There is no hope that crops will be saved … So what are they waiting for? Can’t they award us compensation as CM Bhagwant Mann had promised that compensation will be awarded even before girdwari?” Avtar Singh, former sarpanch of Kamalwala 324 village (Muthianwala) in Ferozepur district, asked.

Dam releases add to concern

The release of water from dams in Himachal Pradesh has further raised concerns downstream in Punjab. Floodgates of Bhakra were opened on Tuesday, releasing water in a phased manner, while Pong dam discharged an additional 6,000 cusecs into the Beas river on Wednesday morning, taking its total outflow to 72,000 cusecs. Officials said heavy rainfall predicted in Himachal between August 23 and 25 necessitated the move. This is the first time in two years that the floodgates have been opened.

Punjab had last witnessed devastating floods in 2023. With fresh inundations this year, farmers in Ferozepur and Fazilka, Kapurthala, Tarn Taran, Gurdaspur, Pathankot etc are once again staring at heavy losses, demanding not just timely compensation but also a permanent solution to the Sutlej’s fury.

The water level at Bhakra dam rose by one foot on Wednesday, reaching approximately 1,666 feet at 11 am compared to 1,665 feet at the same time on Tuesday. The Pong dam level, however, remained steady at approximately 1,383 feet. At 11 am, the inflow at Bhakra was recorded at 59,000 cusecs against an outflow of 40,000 cusecs, while Pong dam registered an inflow of 37,000 cusecs and an outflow of 60,000 cusecs.