Ferozepur: The release of water beyond capacity into the Sirhind Feeder Canal, which originates from Hari Ke Head Works, has triggered concern in dozens of villages across the Ferozepur and Faridkot districts. With the canal already flowing at full capacity ahead of the monsoon season, farmers fear a heightened risk of flooding and have questioned the canal department's preparedness.
Canal Capacity and Current Water Flow
The canal, which supplies water to Rajasthan, has a design capacity of 5,200 cusecs. However, its safe carrying capacity, given its ageing structure, is estimated between 4,700 and 5,000 cusecs. Currently, over 6,000 cusecs of water is being released, causing water levels to reach the banks at several stretches.
Impact of Recent Concreting
Recent concreting of the canal has further increased water speed and pressure. Farmers allege that at multiple points, water is eroding raw embankments and adjoining tracks. They accuse the department of ignoring the gravity of the situation.
Farmer Unions Raise Concerns
Leaders of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Qadian) stated that they have been flagging issues of seepage and overflow for days, but claim the response from authorities has been inadequate. Union member Baljinder Singh alleged that the Sua gate near Ferozshah village was damaged due to high inflow despite being closed. He added that subsidiary channels near Ferozshah and Kailash villages have also overflowed.
Efforts to Plug Breaches
Workers have been deployed to plug breaches using soil bags, but the rising pressure continues to pose a challenge, farmers said. They warned that even a minor breach could inundate thousands of acres of standing crops and impact several villages.
Official Response
Hari Ke Head Works SDO Navneet Gupta, however, maintained that water is being released as per requirement and urged residents not to panic. He said the department is on alert and closely monitoring the situation.
Demands for Action
Despite assurances, local residents and farmer groups have demanded immediate reinforcement of vulnerable stretches and strict regulation of water discharge in line with capacity. They said the canal department will be directly responsible for any damage caused by a breach. They demanded that the water quantity in the canal be kept as per the capacity and immediate repairs and safety arrangements be made at sensitive places.
