Punjab floods: Encroachments on riverbeds add to devastation

Around 50,000 people living in Bela areas, the land located between two streams of the Sutlej, face the threat of flooding here. Over the past two decades, these Bela lands, traditionally a part of the riverbed and used as grazing grounds, gradually transformed into thriving settlements due to continuous encroachments.

Initially, the locals began cultivating the land. Encouraged by successful harvests, they went a step further, building permanent houses on the riverbed.

Earlier, these settlements used to remain cut-off during monsoon months. As connectivity improved after the construction of bridges, it allowed access to the flood-prone zones throughout the year.

Now, with heavy rainfall lashing the area, these Bela villages are under severe threat. Locals fear the rising water could soon enter their homes, uprooting entire communities. Tushar Goyal, Executive Engineer of the Drainage Department here, said “We have issued notices under the Punjab Drainage Act to those who constructed houses in the riverbed.” However, department sources said enforcement had been limited to paperwork, with little to no ground-level action to remove illegal settlements or prevent further encroachments.