Heavy release from Harike triggers flood fear in Ferozepur; Admin on high alert, relief teams formed
Sutlej swells in Ferozepur; Admn, BSF, and locals unite against Sutlej floods.
Ferozepur, August 26, 2025: Continuous rainfall in the hilly regions for the last two days, coupled with heavy discharge from Harike Headworks, has created flood-like conditions in several villages along the Sutlej River in Ferozepur district. On Monday, nearly 1.85 lakh cusecs of water were released from Harike, now flowing downstream through Hussainiwala, sparking widespread concern.
Despite the hardships, the administration has assured that all efforts are being made to minimise damage and safeguard lives, with coordinated rescue and relief operations already underway.
Additional Deputy Commissioner (G) Damanjit Singh Mann said the district administration is carrying out flood relief operations in affected villages on a war footing. Evacuation centres have been equipped with medicines, food, tarpaulins, and drinking water, while medical camps are providing basic health facilities. Temporary langar services and dry rations are being arranged, and damaged bridges and bundhs are being repaired with administrative support. Boats have been deployed with BSF assistance, pumps installed for water diversion, and fodder supplied for livestock to ensure immediate relief to villagers. The district administration and the relief teams formed are working on a war footing in the flood-affected villages.
SSP Bhupinder Singh Sidhu was also seen in the flood-affected villages, coordinating closely with the BSF, district administration, and residents to ensure effective relief and security measures.”
With further release from Harike, the swelling river has forced residents of low-lying villages such as Tediwala, Kamalia, and Kaluwala, which is an island-like village covered with water from three sides and the fourth side touching the zero line fencing, to abandon their homes and move to safer ground. Fields, fodder, and standing crops lie submerged, while in some places even houses have been inundated. “We are already struggling as a border population—now this water disaster has worsened our plight. The government must act immediately,” villagers appealed.
To manage the situation, the district administration has declared school holidays and issued advisories urging residents to shift to higher areas. Gurdwaras in affected villages are also making regular announcements to alert people.
According to Civil Surgeon Dr. Rajwinder Kaur, more than 20 medical teams with ambulances and staff have been deployed, while Canal officials confirmed that 24 of 29 gates at Hussainiwala Headworks have been opened to regulate the heavy flow. The discharge, currently around 2 lakh cusecs, is increasing by 4,000–5,000 cusecs every hour. Vulnerable points near Habibke and other border villages are under strict watch, though no major breach has been reported so far.
She further said, the district administration has set up a relief camp at Bagge Wala to support the affected families. During her visit to the flood-affected villages touching the Sutlej, she instructed medical teams to remain on 24-hour alert to tackle any emergencies and assured villagers of full health support. Dr. Kaur also deployed medical staff and ambulances near the embankments to provide immediate assistance. She emphasised that people should not panic as the Health Department and district administration are fully prepared and committed to ensuring the well-being of residents while every possible step is being taken to provide relief.
With the Meteorological Department issuing a fresh rain alert for the next two days, authorities are maintaining round-the-clock vigilance, and the situation is likely to be normal after two days. Relief measures, including food, shelter, and medical aid, are being coordinated with village panchayats, while volunteers join forces to relocate families to safer areas.