‘Repair work for flood preparation cannot be finished on time’

Deputy Commissioner Rahul Tiwari said,“Even if the works start in the first week of August,we will not be able to complete them in time. But yes,we are ready with all arrangements to fight with floods like situation.”

At Dhulewal gaps still need to be filled with stone work. Last year only temporary works were done when water level had risen during monsoons. A total of 150 acres of village land is under the level of the river bed where cultivation is done. Budh Singh,a farmer of this village said,“Permanent works are never done. Last year only 10,000 sand bags were used to strengthen the bundh and this year,the site was never on the priority list.”

Piara Singh,another farmer said,“1.5 acres of land was flooded last year,but no compensation was awarded.” At Sansowal Khurd village,Maha Singh Nambardaar said that they are at the mercy of god. He said,“The river has changed its course this time and we are living on the banks. No work has been done. Deputy Commissioner has now told us that works cannot be completed in 15 days.”

At Hadiwal village,the DC himself was seen in a tense mood when he saw the sensitive sight where drainage department did not do any stone work because of lack of funds. He said,“All our departments will work around the clock to prevent the villagers from floods.”

The only satisfactory sight was at Mattewara where works worth Rs 1.5 crores are being done and are nearing completion. Out of the demand of Rs 40 crores,the state government released only Rs 4 crores in June.

Gurdial Singh,Sarpanch of Dhulewal village said,“We pray to Khwaja (water God) to protect us this year as well,otherwise we are not confident enough with the arrangements of the administration.”