Sutlej's Relentless Fury: Dhussi Bundh Crumbles, Army Called to Avert Ludhiana Disaster

The mighty Sutlej River continues its relentless assault on the crucial Dhussi bundh in Ludhiana, pushing communities to the brink and demanding an urgent, decisive response. Days after initial floodwaters wreaked havoc, the river's fierce current shows no signs of abating, persistently eroding the embankment near Mattewara, thereby casting a long shadow of fear over numerous villages.

Despite the valiant efforts of local teams, including members of the Drainage Department and concerned villagers, their attempts to fortify the bundh against the river's immense power have proven largely insufficient.

Sandbags, deployed in a desperate bid to plug the widening breaches, are being swept away with alarming ease, underscoring the sheer force of the water. The situation, already dire since the August 15 floods, has escalated, prompting the district administration to acknowledge the limitations of conventional methods.

With the safety of residents hanging precariously in the balance, Ludhiana Deputy Commissioner Surabhi Malik has formally requested the immediate deployment of the Indian Army.

The hope is that the army's specialized engineering capabilities and resources can succeed where civilian efforts have faltered, providing the much-needed reinforcement to prevent a catastrophic breach. The areas particularly vulnerable include Mattewara, Walipur, Bhoapur, Burj Kacha, Mehmudpur, and Bhaini, where residents live in constant apprehension of their homes being submerged.

The ongoing erosion isn't merely a structural concern; it's an emotional and existential threat to these communities.

Farmers watch helplessly as their fertile lands are potentially swallowed by the swirling waters, while families brace for the possibility of evacuation and the loss of their livelihoods. The persistent high flow in the Sutlej, a direct consequence of the recent heavy rainfall and discharges from upstream dams, exacerbates the challenge, making any repair work incredibly hazardous and complex.

As the clock ticks, the focus remains firmly on securing the Dhussi bundh.

The call for military aid reflects the gravity of the crisis, highlighting the urgent need for a coordinated, powerful response to protect the lives and property of thousands. The coming hours and days will be critical in determining the fate of these vulnerable villages as they face down the unyielding power of the Sutlej.