Strengthening of bundhs intensifies in Amritsar areas

Volunteers and government agencies intensified their efforts to strengthen dhussi bundhs (earthen dykes) at flood-hit villages here.

This comes as more water was released from the Ranjit Sagar and Pong dams, according to reports.

Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney said while the work to plug breaches at Singhoke and Kot Razda villages would be complete by tomorrow, it would take at least four to five days to accomplish the task at Machhiwal village.

The efforts were fast-tracked after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted heavy rainfall on October 6 and 7, prompting the authorities to hold coordination meetings with representatives of 18 villages to send across the message. The administration is monitoring the situation and officers have been deployed on round-the-clock duties.

A gauge is also being installed at Ghonewal village, where recent floods caused massive destruction. Sawhney said the village had received unregulated flow from 21 points through choes, khads and the Ujh river.

Local MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal requested all residents to stay away from the river.

The district administration has also set up helplines 0183-2229125 and 01858-245510.