River bank erosion threatens house of Rampur Gaura family

A family from Rampur Gaura village in Sultanpur Lodhi, Kapurthala, is living in fear and despair as the home they built just three years ago now stands on the verge of collapse. The river near their village has changed its course, eroding and causing damage to their property.

A wall of the home and washroom have already collapsed. The family’s head, Milkha Singh, 78, said in a trembling voice, “Halle saade ghar di reejh vi poori nahee hoyi si” (We hadn’t even fully enjoyed our new home yet).

Family members have been moving their belongings. Milkha Singh, visibly shaken, said he and his two sons worked hard for years to build the house. “With great effort, I raised my sons and together we built this home. Now, its future is uncertain,” he said, adding that the family has already lost 17 acres to floods in recent years.

The administration, along with the Drainage Department, is attempting to protect the remaining structure. Alka Kalia, SDM Sultanpur Lodhi, said, “The river changed its course and began eroding the house. The department and villagers are trying to save it, but since there is no embankment, it remains a major challenge.”

Nine houses in the village were washed away during the recent floods, but Milkha Singh’s family continues to suffer even after the water receded. The family is currently living in someone else's house for safety.

“This is heartbreaking,” Milkha Singh said. “We don’t know how to start again, but we are still hopeful that we can save our home.”

Village Sarpanch Gurpreet Singh confirmed that efforts are ongoing to prevent further erosion. “We are doing everything possible to save their house, but the family has already started moving their belongings outside,” he said.