Possible resumption of Op Sindoor, overflowing rivers making farmers' jittery

Time of India

19 hours ago

Gurdaspur/Amritsar: The apprehension surrounding the possible resumption of the stalled
Operation Sindoor
, coupled with the possibility of the overflowing banks along the Ravi river and Basantar nullah during the rainy days, has compounded the challenges faced by the farmers living in villages near the India-Pakistan international border in Gurdaspur and Amritsar districts.
"When India was at war with Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, many farmers evacuated their homes, carrying whatever belongings they could. They have yet to return," said Harvinder Singh Masania, a local farmer. "Now, frequent rains have further delayed their return, as there is growing apprehension of flooding," he added.
Large swathes of farmland in villages such as Dharamkot Nawan, Nanak Chak, and Beas are submerged, with the Ravi swelling to its brim.
In some areas, the situation has become so critical that even teachers are forced to use boats to reach their schools.
Gurdev Singh, a local, said a pontoon bridge had been erected by the Army at Gagomahal. However, during heavy rainfall, it is secured to the riverbank to prevent it from being swept away by the strong current.
Ranjodh, a farmer from Ghanike Bet in Gurdaspur district, said most of the fields located beyond the border fence had been affected by the swollen Basantar nullah.
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Satnam Singh Ajnala, a farmer from Ajnala, said there were two pontoon bridges — one at Kot Razda and another at Dariya. "This is very strategic and essential land for us. We not only cross the river to cultivate our fields but also go beyond the border fence to tend to them. The govt has made a provision of conveyance allowance for the farmers, but it is paid irregularly," he said.
A farmer, Parshotam Ajnala, said in some low-lying areas, the water level had increased to the extent that the roads and dirt tracks leading to the fields were submerged, making it dangerous for the farmers to cross.
The risk of being caught in the strong currents has forced many to stay home, leaving their crops unattended during a crucial cultivation period, he said.
The lack of timely access not only delays fieldwork but also raises concerns about crop damage and financial loss. Farmers have urged the govt to ensure better infrastructure, regular maintenance of bridges, and quicker disbursement of compensation or relief in such situations, said Parshotam.
He further said while there were no large-scale instances of farmers relocating with their belongings during Operation Sindoor in this region, "there were certain pockets where people did move to safer areas to protect themselves from the threat posed by Pakistani drones".