Sasrali Colony village under flood threat

Sasrali Colony village, where the bhog of a three-day akhand path was performed on Thursday to pray for protection from floods, came under serious threat this morning as the Sutlej stream began moving towards the bandh over a two-km stretch. Panic gripped residents as the flow inched closer towards the protective embankment, raising fears of a breach.

The district administration called in Army and NDRF teams to assist villagers in strengthening the bandh. Around 100 personnel, along with nearly 900 villagers and labourers, worked on reinforcing the stretch with iron nets, sandbags, heavy wooden logs and stones.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Himanshu Jain, ADC and the SDM East camped at the site, coordinating arrangements.

“We are making every possible effort to prevent the Sutlej from breaching the bandh. Army and NDRF personnel have been called in and they are guiding to prevent the breach in the bandh. However, the situation is still critical,” Jain said. He also directed announcements from the village gurdwara, advising residents to shift their cattle to safer places and move themselves to higher floors or secure shelters.

Sarpanch Surinder Singh Namdhari said villagers were working round-the-clock to plug weak spots where sand had slipped, diverting the Sutlej’s flow dangerously close to the bandh. “The water is just a few feet away but with joint efforts, we are determined to save the village,” he said.

Punjab’s Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian also visited Sasrali this morning, assuring residents of full government support. He stayed on the spot for several hours to oversee the operations.

BJP spokesperson Pritpal Singh Balliawal, who was also present at the site, said nearly 1,000 persons were engaged in the operation. “The Sutlej’s reduced water level caused erosion of sand banks, pushing the flow towards the village side. Every possible measure is being taken to protect the bandh” he said.

Our prayers will be answered: Sarpanch

Even as the bhog of the akhand path concluded on Thursday, villagers began another three-day path at the same spot. “So far, only God has saved us. We believe, our prayers will be answered and the village will remain safe. Hence, again the three-day path has been organised,” the sarpanch said.