Ludhiana, Sept. 6 — Heavy rains that began early Saturday morning have once again raised alarm in flood-prone areas of Ludhiana district, with residents of Sasrali Colony fearing a renewed threat to the already weakened Dhussi Bundh.
Officials said the situation was currently under control but cautioned that continuous rainfall, coupled with any additional water release from Ropar or Bhakra dam, could make it difficult to manage.
Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain confirmed that breaches had appeared at certain points along the bundh but were plugged with emergency measures. “There was a breach at some points, but water was stopped by the ring bundh, which we erected with the help of villagers, the army, NGOs, etc. But now it will depend on how much water is released from Bhakra,” Jain said.
For the people of Sasrali village, the rains have added to an atmosphere of anxiety. Villagers have been holding prayers for relief from the downpour, while ongoing work to strengthen the bundh has stalled. Sarpanch Surinder Singh Namdhari explained that machinery and vehicles could no longer reach the site due to waterlogging. “We appeal to the government to let us complete the strengthening of the bundh, and no water should be released from Bhakra for 2–3 more days,” he said.
Beyond the bundh, urban areas across Ludhiana also struggled with the effects of uninterrupted rainfall. Neighborhoods including Chander Nagar Pulley, Janak Puri, Salem Tabri, Basti Jodhewal, Sherpur and Giaspura reported severe waterlogging, leaving residents exasperated.
Daily wage workers were among the worst affected, with construction activity across the city brought to a halt. “It has become too difficult to make ends meet because the rains are not stopping and people have stopped with the constructions,” said Mistri Ram Anuj, a laborer.
Essential services were also hit, as supplies of milk, vegetables and newspapers were disrupted in several parts of the city after rainfall began around 4:30 a.m.
