Ropar villagers protest as farmer digs up riverbed

Tribune News Service
Ropar, October 6

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A farmer from Bahrampur Jamindara village, Surinder Singh, has dug up the riverbed of Budhki, a tributary of the Sutlej, reportedly to change the course of the river to save his land. This has triggered protests by residents of adjoining villages of Gurpura, Paprala and Railon who said it would pose the risk of flooding of their villages.

Mohan Singh and Kaka Singh of Gurpura village said the area was prone to floods and Surinder Singh had dug up the riverbed and deposited its sand on the bank of the river towards his fields. Jasbir Singh and Gurnam Singh of Paprala and Railon villages claimed that by depositing the sand on the river bank, Surinder had pushed the river course towards other side which could lead to flooding of their villages. A complaint had been filed with the authorities in this regard, but no action was taken against Surinder Singh as villagers claimed he was well-connected.

Damandeep Singh, XEN, Drainage Department, confirmed that Surinder had dug up the riverbed illegally. He said Surinder was granted permission to clear wild growth in the river so that there was no obstruction in the flow of water adjoining his fields. However, Surinder Singh denied the allegations, claiming he had only cleared the obstructions in the river course.