500 acres inundated in Fazilka; water rising

Fazilka, August 20

The paddy and moong crop along the bed and the creek of the swollen Sutlej has submerged around 500 acres in Fazilka district.

Fazilka SDM Subhash Khatak said the water level of the river has been increasing continuously following release of excess water from the upstream.

“About 56,000 cusecs of water has been released from Hussainiwala Headworks near Ferozepur,” said DC Manpreet Singh.

Sources said the administration had asked residents of 18 villages in the district to move to safer places in the wake of flood threat. “Five relief camps have been set up each in Fazilka and Jalalabad subdivisions to accommodate the evacuees,” the DC said. These relief camps have been set up in Mauzam, Salemshah, Asafwala Hasta Kalan villages and one in Sant Kabir Polytechnical College in Fazilka subdivision.

The flood-prone villages in Fazilka subdivision are Ram Singh Bhaini, Dona Nanka, Teja Rohela, Mahatam Nagar, Jhangar Bhaini, Gatti Number 1, Retewali Bhaini, Gulaba Bhaini, Dhani Sadda Singh, Labh Singh Bhaini, Mohar Jamsher, Mohar Khiva and Mohar Sona. Most of the villages are situated across the Pattan Bridge situated on the Sutlej and is the only source of connection of these villages with the mainland.

The water level has risen up to the level of the bridge, endangering nearby villages. Residents of Dhandi Kadim, Dhani Natha Singh, Dhani Phoola Singh, Attuwala and Peerke in Jalalabad subdivision have also been asked to evacuate. — OC