Fazilka, August 18
The water discharge from Hussainiwala Headworks into the Sutlej River has reduced by 18,000 cusecs. This was informed by Fazilka Deputy Commissioner Amarpreeet Kaur Sandhu (IAS) during her visit to the border villages along the Indo-Pak frontier. Senior Superintendent of Police Mr. Gurmeet Singh and Sub-Divisional Magistrate Virpal Kaur accompanied her on the visit.
The Deputy Commissioner inspected villages including Mahatam Nagar, Teja Ruhela, Chak Ruhela, Rete Wali Bhaini, Gulabe Wali Bhaini, and Dhani Sada Singh. She stated that all inhabited areas of these villages remain completely safe, and no flood water has entered residential zones.
In a special effort, Sandhu travelled by tractor to reach remote hamlets (dhanis) located in the fields and interacted with residents to assess their condition. She explained that while some low-lying agricultural fields have been submerged and water has surrounded a few hamlets, none of the houses inside have been inundated. People confirmed they have adequate ration and drinking water, though some farmers requested fodder for their cattle as their green fodder crops were submerged. The Deputy Commissioner directed the concerned department to immediately arrange for fodder supply.
She further informed that the effect of reduced discharge from Hussainiwala will be more visible by tomorrow. “The district administration is fully prepared and alert,” she said. While advising villagers to move to safer places if required, residents expressed confidence in staying at their homes as presently only agricultural land is affected.
Deputy Commissioner emphasized that administrative teams are deployed in all villages and the situation is under continuous monitoring. She appealed to residents not to believe in rumors, assuring them that the administration will extend all necessary help if required. She added that the eastern embankment of the creek is safe, with the Drainage Department having made adequate arrangements, including stocking filled and empty sandbags. All departments, including Health, are on high alert, and the situation is fully under control. The Water Resources Department has also been instructed to maintain strict vigil on water discharge to ensure timely preventive measures in case of increased outflow from Harike.
Executive Engineer of the Drainage Department, Mr. Gurveer Singh Sidhu, and Mr. Amandeep Singh Mavi were also present during the visit.
