WATER level increases in Sutlej river

Ferozepur, July 16, 2013: With the increase of water level in Sutlej river, about 400 acres of land around Muhar Jamsher village, towards Fazilka side, has started filling with water, affecting the paddy and moong crops.  Both these standing crops have dipped under water.  In the first phase, standing crop in 15 acres of land is affected.  But the way the water level is increasing, heavy loss to crops cannot be ruled out.  The district administration is also on its toe with the apprehension of increase in water level.

The village Muhar Jamsher has a peculiar topography and unique identity due to its location as it is situated on the India-Pakistan Border, the village is fenced by barbed wire on three sides and the Sutlej flows on the fourth. The village has nearly 1,200 residents. The only way to enter the village is by boat that too after crossing the gate between the barbed wire manned by Border Security Force (BSF). The BSF closes down the gate at 9 pm and reopens it at 6 am. For the last few years, during the monsoon season, due to increase of water level in Sutlej river, there is a always a fear of flood like situation in the Kanwan Wali, Raite Wali, Bhaini, Bhaini Ram Singh, Dono Sikandri, Teja Ruhela, Jhangad Bhai, Mahatam Nagar, Gatti No.1, 2, 3, Muhar Khiva and other villages  on the banks of river.

Due to flood like situation, the temporary bridge constructed by the Army, to connect Muhar Jamsher village, situated beyond the barbed wire, with other parts of the country, has also started to roll up the same.  With the dismantling of this bridge, the movement of the villagers of Muhar Jamsher would not be possible and they will have to resort to old system of using of boat for ferrying between village and city.

However, the Punjab Government has made arrangements for the construction of a permanent village to connect Muhar Jamsher village covered with three sides from Pakistan border with rest of the world but due to fear of flood like situation, the construction work is held up.

As per the sources, with the dismantling of bridge, the villagers are likely to face serious problem and with the present trend of increasing of water level in Sutlej, there are possibilities of shifting the villagers to safer place. The drainage department has already stored the required material for the construction of bridge in the village itself and the construction work will start immediately with the ease of flood situation in the river.