Collapsed embankment threatens villagers and farmland in Tokion

Farmers in Tokion village, situated in the Dhaula Kuan region of Sirmaur district, are facing a severe threat of land erosion due to the collapse of the protective embankment along Bata River. The situation has raised alarms, as any shift in the river’s course could potentially devastate the nearby Sanwala village.

According to reports, heavy rainfall during the monsoons last year caused severe flooding in the Johal area of Tokion village. This led to the collapse of a 200-m embankment, which was crucial in protecting farmland and a Forest Department nursery. The river’s water now flows into adjoining fertile lands, causing continuous erosion and jeopardising agricultural activities. According to area residents, apart from the river’s increased flow during the rainy season, water released from the Girinagar Hydropower Project adds to the erosion.

If immediate measures are not taken, vast stretches of fertile land and parts of the Senwala settlement could be swept away in the next monsoon, leading to massive destruction.

“The river’s increasing encroachment into farmlands and its proximity to residential areas has us worried over our future. Despite notifying authorities and passing a resolution in the local panchayat, no concrete steps have been taken so far to control the erosion,” a farmer from the village said.

Villagers have urged the administration to take swift action to reinforce the embankment and prevent further erosion. They fear that delays could lead to catastrophic damage in the upcoming rainy season.

Speaking on the issue, Jal Shakti Department Superintendent Engineer (Sirmaur) Rajeev Mahajan assured that the matter is being reviewed.

“We will gather detailed information from the concerned officials and take appropriate steps to address the issue promptly,” he said.