Samyukta Kisan Morcha delegation visits flood-hit villages in Mukerian

A delegation from the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) visited flood-affected villages in Mukerian sub-division to assess the damage caused by recent floods.

The delegation, which included Amarjit Kanungo, Swarn Singh, Roshan Khan, Kharak Singh, Kundan Lal, Dr Tejinder Kalra and others, reported severe damage across 23 villages along the Beas river. Roads have been washed away and around 4,325 acres of farmland, including major crops like sugarcane, parmal, basmati and other seasonal varieties, have been destroyed.

The SKM delegation highlighted the devastating impact on local families, particularly labourers, many of whom have lost their homes. In low-lying areas, residents have been forced to build temporary shelters due to ongoing waterlogging. Villagers from Naushera Pattan, including Rajkamal Kaur, Jasbir Kaur, and Baljit Kaur, shared that no political leader or government official has visited them so far. They described how their cattle were swept away, their haveli (cattle shed) was submerged, and all stored fodder was destroyed.

“Even now, 10 to 15 ft of water remains in the fields near the riverbank. The damage is extensive,” they said.

The Morcha expressed concerns over the lack of adequate government response and warned that more serious problems could arise once the floodwaters recede.

On September 9, SKM plans to submit a memorandum to the SDM of Mukerian, demanding compensation for the damage to crops, land, livestock and homes. The memorandum will also call for land acquisition along the Beas river, the construction of a permanent dhussi dam and preventive health measures in the affected areas.