The Jalandhar district in Punjab is grappling with a severe flooding crisis due to incessant rain, resulting in the submergence of paddy crops and the need for the evacuation of residents in 50 flood-prone villages.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the situation, including the extent of crop damage, flood-affected areas, concerns of residents, and administrative response.
Extensive Crop Damage and Flooded Villages
Submerged Paddy Crops and Flood-Like Situation: Approximately 25,000 acres of paddy crop in Sultanpur Lodhi, Gidderpindi, and Lohian have been inundated, causing significant losses for farmers. MP Balbir Singh Seechewal reports that over 35 villages are facing a flood-like situation due to the excessive rainfall.
Impact on the Shahkot-Nakodar Belt: The Shahkot-Nakodar belt has also witnessed large areas of paddy cultivation being submerged. This has added to the overall scale of the flooding crisis in the district.
Measures Implemented by the Jalandhar District Administration
Night Patrolling and Vigilance in Flood-Sensitive Villages:
To ensure the safety of residents and mitigate further damages, the Jalandhar Deputy Commissioner has ordered night patrolling in flood-sensitive villages of Nakodar, Shahkot, Lohian, and Phillaur. This step aims to provide assistance and emergency response if necessary.
Efforts to Strengthen Bundh Walls: The district administration claims to have initiated the strengthening of bundh walls and desilting processes on the Gidderpindi bridge. However, local residents express concerns that the release of dam waters might exacerbate the flooding situation and cause more havoc in the region.
Farmers’ Dilemma and Crop Damages:
Residents, particularly farmers, are facing immense hardships as they grapple with the flooding crisis. Many farmers have reported substantial damage to their crops, estimating losses of 60 to 70 percent:
Patiala, Ropar, Fatehgarh Sahib, Mohali, parts of Jalandhar flooded. 50 villages in Shahkot belt of Jalandhar have been badly affected and been told to vacate the area. Floods have played havoc in the border areas of Ferozepur, Fazilka & Amritsar. https://t.co/FAoPITFm6T
— Amy K (@amritaparmar11) July 11, 2023
The inundation of fields has forced residents to spend their days in fear and uncertainty. Farmers in affected villages question the viability of leaving their homes and livelihoods.
They express concerns about the lack of viable alternatives and the substantial losses they have already incurred due to the flooding.
In response to the flooding crisis, the Deputy Commissioner, Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs), MP Balbir Singh Seechewal, and Minister Balkar Singh, conducted surveys of various areas to assess the extent of the damage and plan further actions.
DC Vishesh Sarangal said,
“In 50 villages, evacuation has already been ordered, and relief camps have been set up for farmers willing to move. The Shahkot, Lohian, and Phillaur blocks are put on alert, and all ADCs have been allocated to each block. They will camp at these blocks tonight. Water is below the danger mark in Jalandhar so far, but we are prepared for evacuation from 100 to 150 villages if the situation arises. Various drills have also been conducted, and medicines, ration, and stay arrangements are ready. It’s difficult to say how much water will be released from Ropar.”
Conclusion:
The severe flooding crisis in Jalandhar has led to the submergence of paddy crops, prompting the evacuation of residents in 50 flood-prone villages. The inundation of fields and concerns over the release of dam waters have heightened fears and uncertainties among farmers.
The district administration has implemented measures such as night patrolling and is working on strengthening bundh walls. As assessments continue and efforts to mitigate the crisis intensify, the affected residents and farmers await relief and support during this challenging period.
