Ludhiana, September 1: Panic gripped Ludhiana on Monday after heavy rainfall and rising river levels brought fears of fresh flooding to the industrial hub. The district, largely unaffected by earlier floods in Punjab, was placed on high alert after 90,000 cusecs of water was released from Ropar in the morning. Officials said the Sutlej, which had been flowing at 35,000 cusecs, is expected to surge to one lakh cusecs within hours.
Since early morning, district authorities and workers have been reinforcing embankments in vulnerable villages along the river. Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain, who inspected the Dhussi bandh at Talwandi Nayabad and areas along the Buddha Nullah, said the administration was bracing for further rise in water levels.
“All possible and necessary measures are being taken to prevent any damage from the excessive water, and teams are already on the ground,” Jain told The Tribune.
Adding to the strain, heavy showers pounded Ludhiana from 5:30 a.m. and continued non-stop for over seven hours, inundating streets and residential areas. Waterlogging across key stretches and rising levels in the Buddha Nullah sparked fresh concerns among residents.
Even as authorities intensified preparations, residents reported widespread misery caused by floodwaters and waterlogging, though good samaritans and relief groups stepped in with donations and supplies.
