Patiala, Once considered as a lifeline for the villages alongside its bank, the Ghaggar is now called the ‘River of Sorrow’ due to the floods it has caused in the past many decades. Lack of funds and no provision to clear the river bed mean that local residents are at the mercy of nature. Heavy rain in the hills often results in the river breaching its banks.
“Living near the river is not safe. Politicians have announced to solve the problem during elections. But nothing has been done so far. On the other hand, Haryana has raised a concrete wall to save its villages,” said Rasauli village resident Harbir Singh.
Sources inside the Irrigation Department said they could not strengthen the banks of the river in villages as the government had not released enough funds.
Originating in the hills of Shivalik, this seasonal river passes through the districts of Patiala and Sangrur, where it causes maximum damage during monsoonal floods. In 2010, floods caused by the river resulted in massive losses in the two districts. The Patiala and Sangrur administrations have now procured boats and set up temporary evacuation centres in case of floods.
“During monsoon, villagers shift their ration on the first floor of the house in temporary kitchens,” said Samana resident Gurbinder Singh, who runs an eatery.
Amarjit Sandhu, XEN (drainage), said, “We have got around Rs 2 crore for clearing local drains. We are yet to receive funds to strengthen the banks of Ghaggar.”