Vikram Ditya Sharma/Ferozepur
A surging Sutlej has thrown life out of gear in the border belt of Ferozepur, with over 10,000 residents affected and farmlands submerged under rising waters. As per information, around 62 villages have been inundated, damaging standing crops more than 15000 acres and forcing authorities to launch urgent rescue and relief operations.
Deputy Commissioner Deepshikha Sharma said the situation turned critical late last night, prompting the administration to call in the National Disaster Response Force and seek army support. “Our teams are on the ground, shifting residents from the worst-hit areas including Tendi Wala, Dheera Ghara, Kaluwala and parts of the Hussainiwala enclave,” she said.
At present, the Sutlej is carrying around 2.3 lakh cusecs of water, and officials warned that the level could rise further if rains continue in the region and upper catchments. “We are on high alert and taking every precaution,” the DC added.
Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Damanjeet Singh said nearly 200 residents, including women and children, have been evacuated so far. “Many were initially hesitant to leave their homes but moved after persuasion by senior officers,” he said, adding that most could only take essentials with them.
Sandeep Goyal, SE Canals, said heavy discharge continues, with 273,927 cusecs recorded upstream at Harike and 230,616 cusecs at Hussainiwala headworks. “The situation is being monitored closely,” he said.
