Sutlej water level rises, panic among villagers living near riverbank

In the ongoing flood situation at several places in Punjab, water level of Sutlej river has also risen at places in Ludhiana district. Although the situation is officially declared to be under control, with water yet to cross the danger mark, villagers living near the river in the Ladhowal area remain anxious. Many spend sleepless nights, frequently visiting the riverbank — even during late hours — to monitor the flow themselves.

The district administration has assured residents that water levels are being monitored continuously, but memories of past floods have left the villages on edge. As The Tribune team visited villages near Ladhowal and Phillaur on Saturday, scores of villagers could be seen keeping watch near the riverbank.

Ramandeep Singh, a resident of Bholewal village, recalled the 2019 floods, when a breach developed in the Dhussi Bundh and water entered homes. “Although the water level is still below the danger mark, the memories of that flood are keeping us restless. At night, villagers patrol the riverbank in groups to raise an alarm immediately if signs of a breach appear,” he explained.

Amritpal Singh from Mao Sahib village shared similar concerns, noting that his settlement lies in a low-lying area. “If there is a breach in the bundh, or even a sudden rise in Sutlej’s level, the entire village could be inundated. Fields of many farmers located on the riverbank have already gone under water. If levels continue to rise, Dhussi Bundh may give way at any point, damaging the remaining fields as well,” he warned.

MGNREGA workers allege wage delays

MGNREGA workers deployed to prepare sandbags for flood protection have alleged delays in wage disbursement. Despite long hours of labour on the riverbanks, their payments have not been credited for months.

“We have been working for the last three days filling sandbags, and earlier carried out plantation drives along the banks to control water flow. However, our wages have not been released. We are only entitled to Rs 350 per day, but it has been three months without payment in our bank accounts,” said one of the workers.

He added, “We are poor people and cannot afford to refuse the work, even when our wages are delayed. We continue with the hope that someday our dues will be cleared.”