Villages face flood threat, admn says situation under control

Residents of Sasrali Colony, Kasabad, Dheri and Choorwal villages continue to remain under the threat of floods, even as the authorities claim that the situation was under control.

In Sasrali Colony alone, nearly 60-70 acres have been destroyed, damaging paddy and poplar crops in the past four days. The area, along adjoining villages, had witnessed large-scale illegal mining for several months and it was only after the intervention of the Governor in April that an FIR was lodged against culprits. Local residents now allege that the unchecked mining was the root cause behind the present flood-like situation in the area.

Karam Singh, sarpanch of Sasrali Colony, told The Tribune that in nearby Raud Mand village, contractors had dug river banks as deep as 25-30 ft during illegal mining.

“The water levels rose from that side and it has reached villages near Sasrali Colony. We are constantly staying under threat of floods as the water level has already risen by 5-6 ft. Around 15-20 persons are on a thikri pehra day and night to prevent further entry of water,” he said.

BJP spokesperson Pritpal Singh Baliawal, who visited Kasabad, Choorwal and adjoining villages, also blamed illegal mining for the situation.

“Despite repeated complaints, no action was taken by the authorities concerned. It was only after we approached the Governor that an FIR was lodged. Today, villagers are paying the price for the illegal activity,” he alleged.

Residents of Issewal in Machhiwara had also raised concerns about illegal mining in the past. However, as no “formal complaint” was filed, no action was taken. “Water has entered our fields, though the crops have been saved for now,” said Avtar Singh, a villager.

Meanwhile, in Samrala’s Dullewal and Akkuwal villages, the situation is tense as the Sutlej water level has risen by 5-6 ft.

Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain said Civil Defence Aapda Mitra teams had been pressed into service. “We have already placed sandbags, where necessary. For now, the situation is under control,” he assured.