Karnal: Farmers fear floods again due to siphon blockage

Karnal: Farmers of around 20 villages in Nilokheri block are worried about the threat of floods as the siphons have not been cleaned for a long time. Farmers said that this main drain from Borsham village to Bhukhapuri, which also passes under the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal and the Bhakra canal, is blocked at several places and needs immediate repair. Locals have approached the concerned authorities several times to clean and repair the siphons, but no action has been taken so far, allege farmers. With the monsoon approaching, the farmers have written a letter to the Chief Minister, pleading for immediate intervention.

Urge CM to intervene

We have been pleading with the concerned authorities to clean and repair the siphons, but to no avail. Now we have written a letter to the Chief Minister. This situation is not only in Nilokheri block, but in the entire district. — Inderjit Singh Goraya, farmer leader
Farmer leader and national spokesperson of All India Kisan Congress Inderjit Singh Goraya said, “We have been running from pillar to post to get the siphons cleaned and repaired, but to no avail. We have now written a letter to the CM.” He said, “This situation is not only in Nilokheri block but in the entire district, as major siphons and rain drains have not been cleaned. These should be cleaned before the monsoon, so that the rainwater can drain out without any obstruction.” Rishpal Singh, a farmer from Borsham, said that his crops had suffered a lot last year, as the siphons were filled with mud and the floodwater could not drain out. Farmer Chamkar Singh said that he had suffered a lot due to floods last year, as the siphons were not cleaned for a long time. He said, “We have brought this issue to the notice of the concerned authorities. No corrective action has been taken yet despite our repeated efforts.” Another farmer Isham Singh said that the siphons should be cleaned before the monsoon, so that the crops in the area are safe. Superintending Engineer (SE) Sanjay Rahar said the issue has been brought to his notice and the officials concerned have been directed to clean the siphons in a few days. “Our priority is to protect the interests of farmers. We will ensure cleaning of siphons and storm water drainage drains as soon as possible,” Rahar said.