Flood fury: In Ropar alone, 46,300 hit, Rs 152-cr loss

Ropar, August 31

The damage to crops and government and private properties during last week’s floods in Ropar district — owing to incessant rain followed by the release of water from the Bhakra Dam — has been put at over Rs 152 crore.

A report submitted by the district administration said 46,300 residents in 182 villages were affected, while standing crop on 11,580 acres and 313 houses were completely damaged. Besides, 200 cows and buffaloes perished in the floods. The swollen rivers led to breaches at 10 places. Even many spurs and studs meant for protection were damaged.

Besides standing crop, 366.60-km link roads and 91.77-km plan roads had been washed away. Twenty-seven government buildings of schools, dispensaries and community centres, and nine bridges were damaged and Rs 111 crore would be required to repair the infrastructure.

Farmers suffered a loss of Rs 14 crore as the average per acre loss has been pegged at Rs 12,000. DC Sumeet Kumar Jarangal said Rs 30 lakh has already been distributed as compensation. — TNS