BKU gives ultimatum to admn on waterlogging

Tribune News Service

Sangrur, July 21

The Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU-Ugrahan) on Saturday announced to intensify their agitation if the administration failed to make immediate arrangements to drain out rainwater from hundreds of acres of paddy fields in the district.

“During a district-level meeting at Sunam, we have decided to start our agitation in front of the SDM offices across Punjab from July 23. We will protest district-wise and it will continue till July 30,” said Amrik Singh Gandua, district president, BKU Ugrahan.

“During survey, our teams have found that around 2,000 acres of paddy fields have been lying submerged for the last more than a week. But despite repeated complaints and requests, the district administration has not taken the required steps,” alleged Gandua.

Farmer from Sunam Kulwinder Singh alleged that his paddy had been under water as the drain of the area had not been cleaned for the last many years. Due to the lack of cleaning, the drain overflowed and it had led to flood-like situation in the area.

“Farmers are already under debt and committing suicides. The rainwater has caused damage to paddy and it will increase debt of farmers. We request Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh to look into the matter,” he said.