Rain-hit villages of Sultanpur Lodhi face long road to recovery

Weeks after a temporary breach in the bundh at Sultanpur Lodhi led to widespread flooding, several villages in the region continue to face the aftermath. While water levels have begun to recede in most affected areas, life remains far from normal for displaced residents.

In Rampur Gaura, stagnant water still submerges homes and fields, while in Baupur Jadid, the water levels have lowered, but the challenges of rebuilding have just begun. Villagers who had taken refuge in safer locations during the peak of the floods are now returning to the remnants of their homes. With many houses damaged or destroyed, resettling will take weeks, if not months.

“In some areas, there’s still knee-deep water. In others, people have no choice but to use boats to get around,” said a volunteer from a local NGO, which is providing food and essential supplies. Relief efforts are currently being spearheaded largely by non-profit organisations and individual volunteers.

During a visit to the affected areas, several challenges faced by the residents were evident. Pargat Singh, a resident of Baupur Jadid, was in tears as he showed what remained of his newly built two-room house. “I had just finished building this home a few months ago. I don’t know how I will start again,” he said.

Despite the devastation, there is a spirit of resilience among the villagers. Community leaders, including the village sarpanch and active farmers like Paramjit Singh, are working tirelessly to coordinate aid and bolster morale. “We will not let our people be alone in this crisis,” said Paramjit. The road to recovery is long, but the unity among villagers and support from relief efforts offer a glimmer of hope amidst the devastation.