Sirhind canal breaches at four points

ROOPNAGAR, Sept 22: Incessant rain has breached the Sirhind canal at four sensitive points in the district. Sources in the Irrigation Department revealed that heavy thundershowers have breached a portion of the canal in Chamkaur Sahib area, flooding the nearby villages.

There were also reports of traffic congestion on the Ropar-Neelon road along the canal. Villages of Fatehpur, Jattana and Bhojemajra were also flooded, with knee-deep water causing damage to the paddy crop in the fields. Villages near Bela were also affected.

The rivulets of Sirsa, Swan and Budhki were flooded and water had a heavy current. Paddy arriving in various markets was also damaged. Though the water flow in Sutlej river is much below the danger mark, the authorities have closed the gates of the Sirhind canal as part of precautionary measures.

The step was necessitated due to apprehension of floods in the Malwa region. No loss of life was reported from any where in the district, the authorities claimed.