Inundation threat looms as Sirhind canal embankments get eroded

Bathinda, June 25

The frail and eroded embankments of the Sirhind canal are putting the lives of people are at risk as a possibility of breach taking place anytime cannot be ruled out.

It seems that the district administration has not learnt any lesson from the breach incidents that occurred in the past.

The locals alleged that despite being aware that monsoon is on its way and the threat of breach in the canal loomed large due to lack of maintenance, the administration has not done anything.

Its boundary wall has not been built at some points due to which threat of children falling into the canal looms large.

Sarabjeet Singh, a city resident, said, “Residents of the adjoining area of this canal, which includes Dhillon Nagar, Amarpura Kothe, Fateh Singh Nagar, Paipha Colony, Thermal Colony, Homeland Colony and Bhagtuana Nagar are worried because the monsoon is on its way and the government hasn’t made any proper arrangements.”

Gurcharan Singh, another resident, said, “So many incidents have happened in the past but still the administration is unperturbed”.

Malkit Singh, a councillor, said, “Many a time, we brought the problem to the notice of the Irrigation Department, MC Commissioner and SDM, but to no avail.”

Deputy Commissioner Diprava Lakra said, “The authorities Concerned regularly check the water level of the canal and soon all problems would be resolved”.

Irrigation Department XEN Upakaran Singh said, “It is a big project. We need grants from the government to start the work. Soon all problems would be resolved.” — TNS