Ropar villages on alert as Bhakra Dam water discharge rises; residents asked to shift to relief camps

ROPAR: In the wake of heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh, the Bhakra Beas Management Board increased the release of water from the Bhakra Dam, raising the outflow from 65,000 cusecs to 75,000 cusecs, according to officials of the Ropar district administration.Authorities have warned that several low-lying villages along the Sutlej river may be affected by the rising water levels. In the Nangal area, the villages likely to face impact include Harsa Bela, Bela Ramgarh, Bela Dhiani Upper, Bela Dhiani Lower, Sansowal, Algran, Bela Shiv Singh, Bhalan, Bhanam, Singhpura, Palasi, Taraf Majara, and Majari.Similarly, in the Sri Anandpur Sahib area, precautionary alerts have been issued for Burj, Chandpur Bela, Gajpur Bela, Shahpur Bela, Nikkowal, Amarpur Bela, and Lodhipur.Officials further cautioned that all settlements located along the Sutlej banks in Ropar and Sri Chamkaur Sahib subdivisions should remain vigilant and be prepared for possible evacuation if required. To ensure public safety, the administration has already set up relief and safety camps in vulnerable areas and assured that essential arrangements are in place. Citizens have been urged to stay calm, avoid spreading or believing rumours, and strictly adhere to official instructions.

For assistance, residents can contact the district emergency control rooms at 01881-221157 or dial 112 in case of urgent situations.Gaurav Rana, Convener Punjab Morcha organisation involving a large number of youth from the area, especially Nurpur Bedi, said, "More than 20 spots in Nangal Hydel Canal and Anandpur Sahib Hydel Canal have witnessed damage to the embankments following which the volunteers of welfare organisations and villagers and officials have strengthened it.

On Tuesday night, the residents and volunteers of Kar Sewa Qila Anandgarh have successfully strengthened the embankments near Burj and Lodhipur villages.

""The water from Satluj river is expected to rise following more discharge of water from Bhakra Dam and it is likely to hit several villages. The discharge of water beyond 65000 cusecs flood the villages in Ropar district."Meanwhile, people residing in the low-lying riverbank areas of Sri Anandpur Sahib constituency have been asked to immediately shift to relief camps and safer locations, where full facilities and arrangements have been made for them.Punjab Cabinet Minister for Education and Information & Public Relations, Harjot Singh Bains, who himself remained on the ground throughout the night, leading efforts to strengthen weak river and canal embankments to prevent breaches, assured the public that the Punjab govt stands firmly with the people in this natural disaster.Bains also expressed deep appreciation for the spirit of service and dedication of youth clubs, villagers, Panchs, Sarpanchs, AAP volunteers, and Kar Sewa groups, who worked tirelessly during the crisis to protect human lives as well as livestock.“Punjab is going through a very difficult period, and it is our moral duty to stand by our land and our people with full commitment. Due to continuous heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh and adjoining areas over the last several hours, the water level of Bhakra Dam has reached 1678 feet. As a result, a controlled release of excess water has begun, which is expected to reach villages along the Sutlej within a few hours. Residents of low-lying areas are urged to move without delay to the relief camps.

I appealed to village Sarpanches and its members to extend full cooperation in spreading awareness and assisting the administration in relocating people. Seek help through the dedicated helpline number: 87279-62441. The NDRF teams are deployed on the ground. Distressed families were safely moved with the combined help of administration and volunteers. Now, our appeal remains that all families in low-lying vulnerable areas should shift to safer places immediately. Extra caution will be required in the coming hours,” he said.