Gushing Ghaggar floods Patiala villages

Ravneet Singh
Tribune News Service
Patiala, July 16

The water of the Ghaggar today crossed the danger mark and entered villages in Sanaur and Ghanaur areas of Patiala. It inundated freshly sown paddy on hundreds of acres in many villages.

The rainwater put life out of gear in villages, including Sirkapra, Bolar kalan, Bossar, Asarpur, Jogipur and Rathian in Sanaur and Maru, Sarala Khurd and Mandoli in Ghanaur. People gathered outside villages as their farmland remained submerged.

The water level had already touched the danger mark of 16 ft at the Sarala head on Monday night. A crack that developed in an overbridge in Sanaur further widened to over 40 ft and disconnected Malakpur, Batti, Batta and Rathiyan villages.

The water level did not recede throughout the day. Villagers showed submerged paddy and questioned preventive measures taken by the administration before the onset of the monsoon. “Every year we are threatened by the Ghaggar. The Irrigation Department failed to complete the repair of its banks and de-silting work on time. Now public as well as private property and paddy on hundreds of acres is getting affected,” said Mukhtiar Singh of Maru village.

“The river flows in a zig-zag manner due to which water has eroded the natural sidewalls and entered villages. It has damaged newly constructed roads and infrastructure in many villages. We will be in danger if the water level rises further,” said Satnam, a panchayat member. Davinder Singh, Superintending Engineer (SE), Patiala drainage circle, said, “The water level has started receding at the Sarhala head slowly.”

Deputy Commissioner Kumar Amit held a meeting with officials of the Drainage Department, civil, police and Army personnel. He said all help would be provided to affected residents.

“The situation is under control. Teams have been formed to look into the issue and provide help,” he added.

Meanwhile, the water level of another rain rivulet, Badi Nadi, in Patiala, rose and reached houses in various colonies near its banks. Residents said more than 300 people were affected. People were forced to leave their houses early morning as the water level rose over 4-ft above the ground. The administration has made temporary provisions for the stay of all affected residents of the area.