The Fact News Service
Ludhiana, August 29
Seven districts of Punjab are reeling under devastating floods, with thousands of acres of crops destroyed and households washed away. In Sasrali Colony, adjoining the Sahnewal constituency, the threat of a breach in the Sutlej embankment is growing rapidly. Today, BJP Punjab Spokesperson Pritpal Singh Baliawal visited the affected area to review the situation.
Addressing the media, Pritpal Singh Baliawal said that the Sutlej River is severely damaging farmland and embankments in Sasrali Colony. From Kasabad to Ghumana, the river has already swallowed large tracts of land. To prevent a major disaster, the administration must immediately undertake urgent repairs and reinforcement of the Dhusi embankment.
Baliawal reminded that as early as August 7, he had urged the government and the administration to ensure proper repairs of these embankments. However, the authorities remained negligent, and today, as a result of that apathy, vast farmlands are being eroded into the Sutlej.
He warned that the administration still has time to act. Wherever the embankment appears weak, strengthening measures must be taken without delay. “If the embankment gives way this time, Ludhiana city itself faces the risk of submergence — and the responsibility will lie squarely on the government and the administration,” Baliawal cautioned.
The BJP Punjab Spokesperson further criticized ministers, MLAs, and officials for confining themselves to photo opportunities instead of ensuring real action. He demanded urgent strengthening and repair of the embankment from Kasabad to Ghumana, covering all villages along the Sutlej, and arranging relief operations to safeguard lives and property.
Baliawal also demanded immediate compensation for farmers whose land falls within the embankment area, along with a special girdawari (crop loss assessment) to release compensation for those whose land has been damaged by the floods.
