FEROZEPUR/FAZILKA, Aug. 18 — The release of 80,000 cusecs of water from Hussainiwala Headworks downstream into Pakistan on Sunday lowered flood levels by up to 1.5 feet in Ferozepur district, but thousands of acres of farmland and several villages remain under water across Punjab’s border belt.
Officials said nearly 9,500 acres of agricultural land in 26 villages of Ferozepur continue to be affected, with waterlogging threatening standing crops and livestock. Villages such as Alewala, Nihala Lavera, Dhira Ghara, Talli Gulam, Bandala, Jama Megha, Bala Megha, Dona Telu Mal and Nizamwala remain inundated.
Residents expressed frustration over the scale of damage and health concerns. “We are now fearing an outbreak of vector-borne diseases,” said Mahinder Singh of Dhira Ghara. Harbhajan Singh from Talli Gulam urged the administration to “provide immediate relief” to families struggling with crop losses and waterlogged homes.
Deputy Commissioner Deepshikha Sharma said seven relief and medical camps have been established in vulnerable villages, with shelters ready to accommodate displaced families. “The district remains alert and well-prepared. The situation is under control,” she said, urging residents not to panic and to follow official advisories. Boats are being repaired and kept strictly for emergency use, while residents have been advised to stay away from riverbanks.
In Fazilka, the situation is more severe, with nearly 6,400 acres of farmland submerged across 12 to 13 border villages beyond the Kawaan Wali bridge, officials said. Villages including Dhani Ram Singh, Jhangar Bhaini, Rete Wali Bhaini, Dhani Sadda Singh, Dona Nanaka, Teja Rohela, Gulaba Bhaini, Mahatam Nagar and Gatti Numbers 1, 2 and 3 have been cut off as floodwaters rise.
In some areas, water has reached several feet deep, damaging paddy fields, vegetables and green fodder. Road connectivity has snapped, trapping families and livestock.
Residents described sudden inundation overnight. “We were not given any prior warning,” said Sumitra Bai of Gulaba Bhaini. “Now we have just one boat left, operated by villagers themselves. There’s no oarsman, no paddles — we’re using broken bamboo sticks to steer it.”
Others, including Kala Singh and Dalip Singh, said elderly and sick family members were stranded in flooded homes without food, medical supplies or a safe way out. On the outskirts of Kawaanwali Patan, villagers built mud embankments to protect fields, while one riverside home was reported partially submerged.
Fazilka tehsildar Jaspreet Singh, who is touring affected areas, confirmed the damage. “Water has entered several fields and surrounded dhanis (hamlets). Damage assessments are underway. The administration is ready to provide assistance — whether fodder through the Market Committee or food supplies where needed,” he said.
He noted that 79,000 cusecs of water released from Hussainiwala had reached Fazilka, aggravating the situation. Relief camps have been set up, though officials said conditions are not yet grave enough to warrant relocation. “Teams remain on the ground and prepared to respond as the situation evolves,” Singh added.
For now, while Ferozepur sees slight relief, Fazilka’s border hamlets remain at the mercy of swollen Sutlej waters, with farmers and families bracing for further uncertainty.
