Riverbank breach threat looms near Harike due to erosion; preventive steps underway

The erosion of the Beas-Sutlej riverbanks near Harike is dangerously close to breaching at two key sites, spreading fear among local residents. Communities in the area are working around the clock to strengthen the embankments and prevent disaster.

Two days ago, residents of Marar village were alarmed to see the riverbank being rapidly eroded by strong water currents. Locals, along with volunteers from the Kar Sewa sect led by Baba Sukha Singh of Sarhali and employees from the Irrigation Department, rushed to the spot and began reinforcing the riverbank.

At another site near Gharum village, three points were reported to be actively eroding, posing a serious threat of a breach.

On Saturday, Cabinet Ministers Aman Arora, Harbhajan Singh ETO and Laljit Singh Bhullar visited both affected sites in Marar and Gharum villages to assess the situation. They acknowledged that the ongoing flood threat is causing major crop losses and severely disrupting daily life.

Gurjit Singh, a follower of the Kar Sewa sect, confirmed that dozens of volunteers are working non-stop on embankment efforts using stone spurs and sandbags in both Aamara and Gharum villages.

Lakha Singh, former sarpanch of Kutiwala village, said that farmers in the region are actively involved in strengthening the banks, warning that the situation could escalate at any time.

Deputy Commissioner Rahul has yet to issue an official statement, remaining unresponsive on the matter via WhatsApp and SMS.