Amritsar: Heavy flooding in the Ravi river along the Indo-Pakistan border has caused severe damage to agricultural fields in Amritsar district, leaving farmers devastated. The paddy crop cultivated across the barbed wire fencing, considered the main source of livelihood for border farmers, has been completely destroyed.
Due to inundation, farmers were unable to access their fields. On Sunday, Border Security Force (BSF) personnel at the Majhimian Border Outpost (BOP) opened the fencing gate, allowing them to inspect the damage and undertake necessary work.
Ajnala MLA and former Punjab cabinet minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal also crossed the border fencing to assess the situation firsthand. After interacting with affected farmers, Dhaliwal confirmed that the crops had been entirely washed away by floodwaters. He assured farmers that the Punjab government would provide adequate compensation.
“I will meet Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann soon and apprise him of the devastation in Ajnala so that maximum relief can be ensured,” Dhaliwal said. He also directed the district administration to arrange food supplies, medicines, safe drinking water, and temporary shelter for the affected families.
Farmers, meanwhile, appealed for immediate financial aid, saying that without compensation their survival would be at risk. “The floods have taken away our only livelihood. We need government support at the earliest,” they said.
Local leaders, including former MLA Amarpal Soni, joined Dhaliwal during the inspection and assured the farming community that every possible help would be extended. They emphasized that the administration was committed to restoring normalcy and helping farmers stand on their feet again.