A nearly 100-foot breach in the Dhussi Bandh at Burj Tehal Dass village in SBS Nagar triggered emergency measures on Tuesday, with officials, villagers, the Indian Army and Punjab Police working through the day to plug the gap and prevent damage to farmland.
The breach, which occurred during the early hours, saw immediate mobilisation of resources. Deputy Commissioner Ankurjeet Singh said that the administration, assisted by around 400 police personnel, Army teams, civil officials and local residents, had launched plugging operations on a war footing. He said he has remained at the site since morning to personally monitor the work.
Reassuring farmers and residents, Singh clarified that there had been no crop loss so far. “The inflow of river water is lower, and the land around the breach lies at a slightly higher elevation. This has prevented water from reaching agricultural fields,” he explained. He added that efforts were being made not only to fill the breach but also to strengthen the embankment to avoid further erosion.
To provide additional protection, work has also begun on creating a ring bandh, which will serve as a safeguard for both the Dhussi Bandh and the adjoining farmland. The Deputy Commissioner appealed to residents to stay calm and not give in to panic or rumours. “The plugging work is in full swing, and with the cooperation of the people, we will soon bring the situation under control,” he said.
The DC expressed gratitude to villagers who have been actively helping the administration in recent days to reinforce weak stretches of the bandh. “This spirit of cooperation will help us overcome the crisis quickly,” he added.
Senior Superintendent of Police Dr. Mehtab Singh, District Planning Committee Chairman Satnam Singh Jalalpur, Aam Aadmi Party leader Lalit Mohan Pathak, SDM Anamjyot Kaur, Tehsildar Maninder Singh and officials of various departments also reached the site to review the plugging work.
The Dhussi Bandh, which runs along the Sutlej river, plays a critical role in safeguarding villages and farmlands from floods. Over the years, breaches have often posed challenges for administrations in Punjab, particularly during heavy monsoon inflows.
