Ravi, Ujh in spate, villagers evacuated

Ravi Dhaliwal

Tribune News Service

Gurdaspur, September 24

In a preventive measure, the administration and the police evacuated residents of villages around Makkoran Pattan, the confluence of the Ravi and Ujh, late on Sunday night. More than 800 Gujjars (nomads) and villagers have been temporarily shifted to government schools.

Swarandeep Singh, SSP, on learning about the rising water levels in these rivers informed the DC, following which about 30 police and administrative vehicles were pressed into service. Tractor-trailers and mini trucks were also requisitioned from the city.

Villages from where residents were evacuated included Jhapkra, Tanda, Ogra, Kahna and Jainpur.

The sources said more schools had been identified where locals could be shifted in case of an emergency.

Ujwal, Deputy Commissioner, said: “The Gujjars were not willing to move out. We told them that about the impending danger. Finally, about 600 moved to schools. Many among them had to be forcibly rescued by the police.”

Five motorboats and 100 life jackets have been arranged in case of any eventuality. Irrigation department officials have been asked to monitor the water level in the Ravi at Madhopur headworks and the Beas at Gopipur and Mirthal hamlets.

While food and civil supply officials have been asked to arrange sufficient quantity of food, the civil surgeon will ensure proper stock of medicines.