Flood Threat Looms Over Villages Near Sutlej River as Water Levels Rise at Husainiwala Head
Flood Gates opened to release water
Ferozepur, August 14, 2025: Rising water levels in the Sutlej River have sparked fears of flooding among residents of villages near Husainiwala Head, prompting farmers and locals to stage a protest at the site. The demonstrators are demanding the immediate opening of flood gates at Husainiwala Head to release water and prevent their villages from being inundated.
According to Jasbir Singh, Punjab President of the Flood-Affected Farmers’ Struggle Committee, approximately 40,000 to 50,000 cusecs of water are being continuously released from Harike Head into the Sutlej River, posing a severe threat to villages downstream. Despite some flood gates at Husainiwala Head being opened to release water, the protesters claim it is insufficient to mitigate the rising danger.
The farmers and villagers have expressed frustration over the Punjab administration’s response, alleging that water is not being adequately released downstream toward Pakistan and Fazilka. They warn that failure to open the flood gates promptly could lead to catastrophic flooding, similar to the devastation experienced in 2023 due to administrative delays. That year, delayed water releases resulted in significant losses for the region’s farmers and residents.
The protesters accuse the administration of neglecting their plight, claiming that political motives are exacerbating the crisis and pushing their villages to the brink of submersion. They have vowed to intensify their agitation if the flood gates are not opened soon to release the incoming water from Harike Head.
The Punjab administration has yet to issue an official response to the ongoing protest, but the situation remains tense as villagers brace for potential flooding. Local authorities are urged to act swiftly to address the concerns and prevent a repeat of past flood-related disasters.