Fazilka: Water levels in the Sutlej River receded on Monday after the discharge from Hussainiwala Headworks dropped by 18,000 cusecs, according to Deputy Commissioner (DC) Amarpreeet Kaur Sandhu. The DC visited several flood-affected villages along the Indo-Pak border to review the situation.
Accompanied by Senior Superintendent of Police Gurmeet Singh and Sub-Divisional Magistrate Virpal Kaur, Sandhu inspected Mahatam Nagar, Teja Ruhela, Chak Ruhela, Rete Wali Bhaini, Gulabe Wali Bhaini, and Dhani Sada Singh. She confirmed that all inhabited areas of these villages are safe, and floodwaters have not entered residential zones.
To reach remote hamlets located deep in the fields, the DC traveled by tractor and interacted with residents. She noted that while some low-lying farmlands remain submerged and a few hamlets are surrounded by water, none of the houses have been flooded. Villagers confirmed they had sufficient ration and drinking water, though some farmers requested cattle fodder due to submerged fodder crops. Sandhu instructed the concerned department to arrange immediate fodder supply.
She said the impact of reduced discharge from Hussainiwala will become clearer by Tuesday. “The district administration is fully prepared and alert,” she assured, while advising residents to shift to safer places if needed. However, most villagers expressed confidence in staying put as only farmland has been affected so far.
Sandhu emphasized that continuous monitoring is underway, with administrative teams deployed across villages. She urged residents not to believe in rumors, assuring that timely assistance would be provided if required. The DC also confirmed that the eastern embankment of the creek remains secure, with the Drainage Department having stocked filled and empty sandbags as precautionary measures.
All departments, including Health, remain on high alert, while the Water Resources Department has been tasked with maintaining strict vigilance on water release levels from Harike. Executive Engineer of the Drainage Department Gurveer Singh Sidhu and Amandeep Singh Mavi were also present during the review.
