Rain forecast has flood-hit Kapurthala villagers in tizzy

The prediction of heavy rainfall on October 6 and 7 by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has flood-hit villagers in Kapurthala’s Sultanpur Lodhi on tenterhooks once again.

Many fear they might lose whatever is left with them if the Beas swelled again and breached the dhussi bundhs (earthen embankments) repaired with much effort after the floodwaters subsided.

Villagers, with the help of volunteers and several social groups, are busy at several locations in low-lying Sultanpur Lodhi villages to strengthen the embankments to prevent further damage to their homes and silt-laden fields.

Residents of the worst-affected low-lying Mand villages had waited for a month for rains to subside to start building various bundhs. Two breaches at Ahli Kalan and Baupur have been plugged. The work on plugging another breach at Baupur is on.

Help is also being sought to plug the biggest breach at Rampur Gaura village due to which the river had changed its course. Gurnishan Singh, a Rampur Gaura resident, who had lost his home to recent floods, said, “Most homes in our village were destroyed in the floods.”

“We fear, fresh spell of rainfall may further damage whatever little is left of the village. The breach in the Rampur Gaura bundh led to the river changing its course,” he said.

Paramjit Singh, a resident of Baupur who has been at the forefront of flood relief efforts, said, “Rain warning for the upcoming week have left villagers anxious. Showers will hit the embankment strengthening work. Any additional damage will delay preparation of our lands for wheat sowing.” “We need hundreds of tractors, sand and metal crates to build and strenghten the Rampur Gaura and other bundhs. Building it is key to stop the flow of the Beas towards the village. Many homes have also been rendered vulnerable due to the floods,” he added.

Khushwinder Singh, SDO, Drainage Department, said currently 16,000 to 17,000 cusecs of water was being released from the Dhilwan barrage. “The department is fully prepared amid the rain warning. No major damage is anticipated in flood affected village,” he assured.