MLA Bhullar visits affected areas; Flood-hit farmers demand relief
Ferozepur, August 16, 2025: Several villages in Ferozepur have come under the grip of floods after heavy rains in Himachal Pradesh forced the Punjab government to open floodgates of the Pong Dam, raising the water level in the Sutlej River.
Villages including Dheera Ghara, Talli Gulam, Nyala Lavera, Kamalwala, and Muthianwala in Ferozepur, along with several in Tarn Taran, are already inundated. Farmers are facing severe losses as the standing paddy crop has been submerged, evoking memories of the devastating 2023 floods.
Residents have demanded boats, food supplies, and cattle fodder, urging authorities to release more water downstream through the Hussainiwala Head to ease the situation. Some families have begun shifting to safer areas, while others remain hopeful the water level may recede.
Aam Aadmi Party MLA Ranbir Singh Bhullar and Ferozepur SDM Gurmeet Singh visited the affected areas. While the MLA stressed the need for long-term solutions with the Centre’s help to prevent recurring floods every two years, villagers expressed anger at the administration’s “apathy” towards farmers.
SDM Gurmeet Singh assured that the administration is fully alert and making necessary arrangements. “As much water as possible is being released ahead from Hussainiwala through canals to reduce the pressure,” he said.
District Farmers’ Struggle Committee president Jujvir Singh alleged that governments ignore farmers during floods but seek their votes at election time. He warned of a larger agitation if authorities failed to act.