Ghaggar banks need urgent repair: Farmers

Sangrur, July 13

Though the Drainage Department has been repairing the embankments of the Ghaggar near Moonak, there are around 60 vulnerable points on the river in the area where authorities have not undertaken the much-needed repairs, residents alleged.

Lakhvir Singh Bhinder, a resident of Moonak, who is also a member of Ghaggar Control Committee, said: “Every year, the authorities wake up in June and July, when monsoon is round the corner. Why don’t they strengthen the banks in April itself? The Ghaggar works have become a big source of embezzlement for politicians and officers and it is the only reason that none of them is serious about it. The authorities have not conducted the repair of weak points as yet.”

On Saturday, some farmers tried to release rain water from their fields into the Ghaggar through pipes, which were blocked due to lack of cleaning. This caused fissures in the pipes and around 50-feet area was eroded. As per sources, the Punjab Government has sanctioned Rs 1.10 crore under MGNREGA for strengthening Ghaggar embankments, while last week, the Drainage Department sanctioned Rs 40 lakh more for the purpose.

“Every year, the government sanctions crores for the cleaning and strengthening of the Ghaggar banks. A thorough investigation should be conducted to ascertain where the money goes as clearly it is not being utilised for Ghaggar,” alleged Gagan Sharma, another farmer from the area.

Chetan Roy Gupta, SDO, Drainage Department, said: “The Panchayat authorities have repaired a majority of the 60 weak points of Ghaggar. But still, if any point needs repairs, farmers should inform the authorities and quick repair would be done”. — TNS