Recent heavy rainfall has submerged hundreds of acres of paddy crop along the Ravi river in Ajnala subdivision, sparking fear of floods among farmers. The waterlogging has left local growers anxious, with many worried that their submerged fields could lead to significant yield losses.
Administration Reviews Flood Preparedness
Amid growing concerns, Deputy Commissioner Dalwinderjit Singh visited vulnerable areas along the Ravi and the Sakki Nullah to assess the situation. He was accompanied by officials from the district administration, the drainage department, and the Punjab Mandi Board. The team inspected the ongoing construction of flood protection spurs at the BSF Border Out Posts (BOPs) at Dharam Prakash and Shahpur, which are intended to mitigate potential flood damage.
The Deputy Commissioner directed officials to complete the work on a war-footing, emphasizing the need for urgency. He assured residents that there would be no floods and that the overall situation was under control.
Water Levels Within Safe Limits, Officials Assure
Reviewing the water situation, Dalwinderjit Singh said the Ravi was flowing well within its banks and that there was no immediate threat of flooding in the district. He explained that heavy rainfall in the hilly regions of Jammu had increased the inflow into the Ravi through the Ujh river, causing a temporary rise in the water level. However, he noted that the water level had since stabilized. The Deputy Commissioner also stated that the water levels in the Sakki Nullah and the Beas were well within safe limits.
Deputy Commissioner Issues Directives
To ensure smooth drainage of rainwater, Dalwinderjit Singh instructed the Punjab Mandi Board to clean culverts along rural link roads immediately. Officials of the drainage department were directed to keep drains free of obstruction and maintain continuous monitoring. These measures aim to prevent further waterlogging and reduce the risk to standing crops.
Reassuring residents, the Deputy Commissioner said the district administration was closely monitoring the situation and that officials were in touch with the authorities of the Ranjit Sagar Dam and the Ujh river barrage. He added that all departments were fully prepared to deal with any emergency, emphasizing that the safety of farmers and their crops remains a priority.
