Rainwater floods fields in Sangrur, Ghaggar near danger mark

SANGRUR: The recent rain has inundated fields in many villages of Moonak in Sangrur, damaging crops over 5,400 acres. Besides, the level of Ghaggar river also reached 747 feet, just four feet below the danger mark on Friday, giving anxious moments to the farmers.

The rainwater used to drain out in the Ghaggar through pipes in agriculture fields, but the river is flowing above the installed pipes, said farmers.

Pargat Singh, a farmer from Surjan Bhaini village, said that the over 300 acres of crops have been submerged in his village. The rainwater also affected crops in Moonak, Salamgarh, Makror Sahib, Bangan and other villages in the area.

Tarsem Singh, a farmer from Moonak, said his 14 acres paddy crop submerged. Former finance minister and Lehra MLA Parminder Dhindsa also visited affected villages and alleged that the state government had not made arrangements to save fields from flooding.

Sangrur deputy commissioner Ramvir said: “We are keeping a watch. If there is any damage, the administration will assess it.” District chief agriculture officer Jaswinderpal Grewal said paddy and cotton crops over 5,400 acres were submerged. “If the level of the Ghaggar remains the same, it can affect the crops,” added Grewal.

Farmers encroach upon drainage pipes

Farmers have encroached upon drainage pipes in villages of Patran sub-division in Patiala, leading to flooding of 900 acres of agricultural fields.

Farmers of Jogewal, Ghular and Niawali village blocked national highway on Friday evening due to delay on the part of district administration in removing the encroachments.

Villagers alleged that the farmers in the low-lying areas have illegally blocked drainage pipes.