‘Weak’ Sutlej banks have farmers worried

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, July 22

Worried about the “weak” banks of Sutlej River, the members of Bhartiya Kisan Union have asked the district administration to strengthen the bundh in Machhiwara.

They claimed that there were chances of flood around 15 villages near the river in Machhiwara area. They said farmers were worried due to soil erosion on the banks of the river.

Saudagar Singh Ghudani of the association said the banks of the river have already become weak due to mining in the past. He said the government must ensure that no mining takes place on the river banks.

He said the work for strengthening the bundh at Chakli Kasab village should be completed at the earliest. He said the administration should keep a vigil on the water level in the river and take all requisite measures to avoid floods.

A member said drains and sewers were not being cleaned on time and farmers were forced to suffer after the arrival of the rainy season. He further blamed the government for not ensuring the provision of rain harvesting system at various locations to recharge groundwater.

They submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner on Monday requesting him to take requisite measures to avoid flooding in villages near Sutlej River

Farmers asked the government to order girdawari to access crop damage due to rain and floods in various parts of the state. They said compensation to farmers and farm labourers must be given at the earliest.