Canal breach in Chamkaur Sahib leaves four injured, two referred to PGI

Punjab Newsline | Chamkaur Sahib

Four people were injured after a sudden breach developed in the Sirhind Canal near Bhairomajra village in Chamkaur Sahib on Wednesday morning. Two of the injured, whose condition was reportedly serious, were referred to the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, for further treatment.

The incident also triggered anger among local residents, who accused the administration of negligence. According to villagers, waste and debris released into the Sirhind Canal from Ropar Headworks had accumulated and contributed to the situation.

Residents claimed they had been repeatedly approaching the administration over the issue for several days, but alleged that no concrete action was taken. The breach occurred on Wednesday morning, following which canal water spread into nearby agricultural fields.

Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Chamkaur Sahib Pradeep Singh Bains reached the spot and assessed the situation. Villagers expressed their anger in his presence and questioned the functioning of the administration and the government. They also launched a protest against the alleged failure to address their complaints in time.

Local residents also raised questions over the role of Chamkaur Sahib MLA Charanjit Singh and the administration in handling the situation.

MLA Expresses Concern

Chamkaur Sahib MLA Charanjit Singh expressed concern over the incident and acknowledged that there had been administrative lapses. He alleged that the administration was not taking his concerns seriously following the appointment of a new constituency in-charge.

The MLA demanded a thorough investigation into the incident and said that action should be taken against officials found responsible for negligence.

Administration Begins Clearing Debris

Villagers reiterated that they had informed officials about the waste and debris in the canal before the breach occurred. They alleged that their complaints were ignored despite repeated appeals.

Following the incident, the administration has begun efforts to remove the accumulated waste and debris from the canal and contain the flow of water. The situation is being monitored as water has entered surrounding agricultural fields.