Youngsters in Ghanaur and Devigarh areas of Patiala are leading flood-control efforts without waiting for the authorities. They have been working for more than 40 hours to protect their villages from the rising Ghaggar waters.
From arranging sandbags to filling and placing them along the riverbanks, these youth have taken charge on their own. When The Tribune visited Dharmherhi village, boys were seen fortifying weak spots on the embankment.
“We could not wait for the administration. Despite repeated flood alerts, no help came. So we repaired and strengthened the Ghaggar banks ourselves,” said 21-year-old Gurpreet Singh. He added that villagers kept awake at night to monitor the water.
Hardeep Singh Cheema explained that locals pooled in over ₹2 lakh to buy sandbags. “We suffered huge losses in the 2023 floods. This time we acted quickly,” he said.
The Ghaggar, flowing from the Shivalik hills, has caused damage repeatedly in 2010, 2023, and almost every alternate year. In Lacchru Kalan, knee-deep water entered houses. “Only village boys helped us,” said resident Bibi Kaur with tears in her eyes.
Meanwhile, Patiala Deputy Commissioner Dr. Preeti Yadav and Army officials inspected embankments in Shutrana constituency to review flood-control measures.
