Sangrur— A devastating fire incident has left farmers in Balwad Kalan village reeling after standing wheat crops spread across 30–35 acres were reduced to ashes within minutes, allegedly due to loose electricity wires.
According to reports, the fire broke out in the afternoon when a spark from a short circuit ignited the dry crop. The flames spread rapidly, engulfing large portions of the fields before villagers could bring the situation under control.
Local residents rushed to the spot and attempted to douse the fire using tractors and other available means, but the intensity of the blaze made it impossible to save the crops.
Affected farmers described the loss as catastrophic, saying their year-long hard work was destroyed in a matter of minutes. Many of them had taken land on lease and now face severe financial distress. They also alleged that despite repeated calls, the fire brigade arrived only after the damage had already been done.
At least eight farmers have been impacted by the incident. Anger is mounting among locals against the administration and the electricity department, whom they blame for negligence in maintaining overhead wires.
The farmers have demanded compensation of ₹80,000 per acre from the Punjab government. They have also urged authorities to immediately repair and properly maintain low-hanging and loose electricity lines passing through agricultural fields to prevent such incidents in the future.
