Water level reduced, no end for villagers worries

Ferozepur, August 23, 2023: Though, the water level has receded considerably during the last two days, but the problems of the residents belonging to villages Kamale Wala, Alike, Gatti Rajoke, Chandi Wala, Jhugge Hajara Singh Wala, Jallo ke, Bhane Wala, Bhakhra, Tendi Wala, Metab Singh, Sheene Wala, Churi Wala, Khunder Gatti, New Bare ke, Peer Ismail Khan, Machhiwara beside others, are far from over.
 

As per information, the 144734 cusec water had been released from Harike Headworks downstream today morning, which was almost 2.7 Lakh cusec few days back. Besides, 133224 cusec water was released from Hussainiwala Headworks.  Hundreds of villagers are still camping at National Martyr’s Memorial, Hussainiwala. Though, the Administration and several NGOs have ensured the continuous supply of food packets, potable water, cattle feed, besides mosquito coils and other utility items but the worry of damage incurred to crops besides other losses are weighing on their mind causing anxiety and distress.
 

Rajesh Dhiman DC said that an estimated over 30,000 acres of standing crops have been damaged. “ We have started the exercise to ascertain various losses and the report will be ready soon” he said. " Had we not repaired the Dhussi bandh, the damage could have been colossal," he added.
 

Gurnam Singh (33), resident of Tendi Wala village said that though the water level has decreased in other villages, the water level at Tendiwala village is still upto 4-5 feet as it situated close to the Sutlej. “Sarkar ne sadi jaan bachai te ithe lia ke chadd dita. Hun asi kithey jaiye. Sadi ta chaddo, sadde dangra di dekhbhal kive kariye jihna di garmi karke buri haalat ho gai he te pashu bimar ho rahe ne”, (The government saved our lives and took us here. Now where we can go? What should we do about our cattle who are falling ill due to extremely hot weather), said Gurnam Singh.