Worst floods since Independence

Old-timers recall that Gurdaspur saw its worst floods since independence. The level of water in the rivers Ravi, Ujh and Chakki was much more than witnessed in 1988. Farm leaders claim that one-third of Punjab’s entire paddy crop has been flattened.

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The receding waters have left agricultural land unsuitable for sowing wheat as well. Farm leaders are demanding a compensation of Rs 70,000 per acre plus a complete loan waiver. People in the know say the farmers will not get what is being demanded. A majority of the farmers are already under debt and there are reports that at many places, agriculturists have developed suicidal tendencies. Numerous roads, low-lying areas and farmland have been inundated following the rains. Politicians have been making a beeline to visit the farmers and apart from lip-service, they offer nothing. Even the city had more rains than were expected by the meteorological department. Shop-keepers have suffered massive losses. Schools and colleges were closed for a prolonged period of time with many institutions resorting to online classes.