The receding waters of the Satluj in flood-hit Fazilka villages have left behind a trail of destruction with most of the roads either completely washed away or rendered unfit for vehicular traffic. An estimated 4,200 houses have been damaged in the 111 affected villages, where crops across over 62,000 acres have also been destroyed.
Also read: Fazilka worst hit by floods
With the ‘girdawari’ in progress, the estimated losses will go much higher. According to initial estimates, floodwaters have damaged nearly 127 km of road network, including 48 link roads, which have completely disappeared. A Punjab Mandi Board official said they need immediate assistance of Rs 20 crore to repair the roads, going by initial estimates. The Mandi Board maintains village roads across Punjab, using the Rural Development Fund.
Villagers said hundreds of toilet pits had collapsed, making them resort to open defecation for the time-being. Several electric and solar water motors have also been damaged.
Foul smell has started emanating from stagnant water in some villages, increasing the risk of diseases. Former Congress MLA Mohinder Kumar Rinwa demanded a special package for the area, besides relief for labourers.
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