A long-standing issue regarding the installation of a new flood-protection spur to safeguard the Dhussi embankment along the Sutlej River at Mandala Chhanna village has been resolved. Farmer Gurmukh Singh, prioritizing public welfare over personal interests, has agreed to provide land for the construction of the spur. Following this, the Drainage and Revenue Departments have initiated the necessary procedures to move the project forward.
Breakthrough Through Intervention
The breakthrough was made possible through the efforts and intervention of Rajya Sabha member and environmentalist Balbir Singh Seechewal. Accompanied by Shahkot tehsildar Jaspal Singh and officials from the drainage and revenue departments, Seechewal visited the site and supervised the land measurement process. The Drainage Department has also begun conducting surveys and preparing cost estimates for the project.
Farmer's Selfless Contribution
Expressing his gratitude to farmer Gurmukh Singh, Seechewal said that his selfless contribution would significantly help protect the region from future flood threats. He noted that the government, through the Drainage Department, has already strengthened the embankment by carrying out stone-pitching works worth nearly ₹18 crore. Seechewal recalled that severe riverbank erosion along the Sutlej last year had posed a serious threat to the embankment. The construction of new spurs was essential to divert the river flow away from the embankment and prevent further damage. However, the project had been delayed due to difficulties in acquiring the required land.
Cooperation and Generosity
Seechewal said that with the cooperation of local residents, village panchayats, and the administration, the issue has now been resolved. Farmer Gurmukh Singh agreed to provide land in the larger interest of the area and its people. Singh has already lost nearly 18 acres of land to river erosion, yet he displayed remarkable generosity by supporting the project for the greater public good. Seechewal also thanked the Tehsildar, officials of the Drainage Department, village sarpanchs, and local residents for their collective efforts in bringing the matter to a successful conclusion.
Preventive Measures Emphasized
Appealing to both the administration and the public, Seechewal emphasized that preventive measures are far more effective than relief operations after floods occur. He further said that the Drainage Department is continuing river-cleaning operations and that the government has permitted people to remove silt and soil from the riverbed until June 30 to ensure unobstructed water flow.
Project Progress
Senior officials of the Drainage Department stated that the survey work has been completed and the project has been forwarded for approval. The department is making every effort to commence the construction of the new spur before the onset of the monsoon season so that the embankment can be further strengthened and the region safeguarded against potential flooding.
