Admn, Army, residents making all-out efforts to strengthen dhussi bandh

In a determined effort to prevent flooding and protect lives and property, the district administration in collaboration with the Indian Army, multiple government departments and hundreds of local residents, is working tirelessly to strengthen the dhussi bandh at various places.

The administration received information about river water impacting stone studs at Mattewara. “Our team, with the support of villagers, swiftly controlled the situation,” Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain said while expressing gratitude for the community’s cooperation.

On Sunday, the site at Sasrali Colony village witnessed coordinated action as eight chain-link retaining walls were successfully dropped into the Sutlej to reinforce the embankment.

A 70-m-long protective stretch has already been constructed, with buckets tied together using ropes to prevent them from being swept away by the swift current.

Despite the high speed of the river water causing erosion along banks, officials have assured that the situation remains under control.

“Water has not entered the village and its level has not increased,” the Deputy Commissioner said.

“There is nothing to panic about. We request everyone to stay calm and avoid visiting the site unless they are actively involved in the relief work,” he added.

The administration also issued a strict advisory prohibiting spectators from entering the flood defence zone, emphasising that unnecessary footfall could hinder the ongoing operations.

Meanwhile, after the soil eroded from the dhussi bandh near the seed farm in Bholewal Jadid, teams led by SDM Poonam Preet Kaur, addressed the issue and strengthened the bandh.

The strengthening work was promptly carried out with the cooperation of tehsildars, sub-registrars, employees of the Revenue (Ludhiana West and Central), Irrigation, Drainage and Forest departments, Block Development and Panchayat officials and local residents.

The SDM said various teams of the administration were actively engaged in relief operations. She noted that ongoing efforts to strengthen embankments using JCB machines were underway not only in Bholewal Jadid but also in Khaira Bet and Alowal.

She also mentioned that a survey would be conducted to assess the damage to crops, homes and livestock caused by heavy rainfall across the state.

The collaborative efforts had drawn praise from senior officials and residents alike. The Deputy Commissioner has been actively monitoring the progress, with personally assisting in placing sandbags and inspecting the embankment.

Local villagers, many of whom have been working day and night, expressed their resolve to protect their homes. “This bandh is our lifeline,” said a resident, adding that “We’re doing everything we can to keep it strong.”

With the water level stable and reinforcements underway, the administration remains vigilant. Round-the-clock monitoring is being done and rapid response teams are stationed at critical points to ensure preparedness for any eventuality.

Hemraj Raji, Chairman of the Market Committee, Sahnewal, announced an additional ?5 lakh contribution to support ongoing flood relief operations in Sasrali Colony. To ensure uninterrupted operations, Raji has arranged for diesel tankers to refuel vehicles directly at the site, eliminating the need to travel to distant fuel stations. The logistical support, he said, would save time and accelerate relief efforts.

For emergencies, a district-level flood control room is operational and accessible via helpline number 0161-2433100.