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.

The post Youngsters Step Up as Ghaggar Floods Threaten Patiala Villages appeared first on India Podcast.

The AAP legislator accused Punjab Principal Secretary (Water Resources) Krishan Kumar of not allowing soil to be lifted from the Tangri and Ghaggar rivers to strengthen embankments. “Nearly 11 villages in my constituency are already facing flooding. If the Tangri overflows, the damage may worsen,” he warned.

Pathanmajra urged Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to shift such officers. “Villagers blame AAP MLAs for failing to prevent floods. It is difficult to explain that despite repeated requests, no one listens,” he said.

A senior official defended Kumar, stating he has not handled the mining charge since 2023, making it unfair to blame him for permissions.

Meanwhile, Patiala Deputy Commissioner Preeti Yadav reviewed water flow in the Ghaggar and Tangri. She said water levels are receding in Rajpura and Ghanaur, but all departments remain on alert to tackle any emergency.

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