Chandigarh: Rajya Sabha MP Satnam Singh Sandhu on Thursday visited Daddumajra and Dhanas villages on the outskirts of Chandigarh to assess the losses caused by recent flooding. He met with residents in distress and offered support.
The flooding in the seasonal rivulet Patiala Ki Rao has caused severe damage to crops and livestock in the affected villages. To reach the submerged fields, Sandhu drove a tractor and reviewed the situation caused by a breach in the rivulet. Villagers informed him that the breach occurred due to a lack of timely de-silting.
Damage to Crops, Livestock, and Homes
Accompanied by Senior Deputy Mayor of Municipal Corporation Chandigarh Kuljit Singh Sandhu and social worker Satinder Singh Sidhu, the MP was briefed that standing paddy and maize crops spread over several acres had been destroyed. The shortage of fodder has made it difficult for farmers to rear their milch animals.
Floodwater also entered homes, leaving many families homeless.
Causes of the Flooding
Patiala Ki Rao carries rainwater from Chandigarh and nearby areas, but the absence of regular de-silting and strengthening of its banks has worsened the flooding problem. According to local farmers, without a permanent solution, future monsoon seasons could bring even greater losses.
MP’s Assurance of Relief and Long-Term Solutions
Interacting with the villagers, Satnam Singh Sandhu said, “It is essential to provide immediate relief to the local people who are in distress and also to implement a long-term and permanent solution”.
He assured to work with the Central government and local administration to ensure regular de-silting of Patiala Ki Rao rivulet, construction of strong embankments, and the development of new roads and bridges to improve connectivity for affected villages. He promised the affected farmers that immediate compensation and relief materials would be provided.
According to Sandhu a survey will be conducted and the issues of connectivity will be resolved at earliest. “We need a long term plan to control the flow of water during monsoons, and very soon we will start working over a proposal,” he adds.