Anandpur Sahib (April 23): Punjab Cabinet Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal today visited Lodhipur, Agampur, Harsabela and Ajauli areas to review the ongoing flood protection works. He took detailed updates from officials regarding the progress of works along the Sutlej riverbank and directed them to ensure timely completion.
The Minister informed that village Lodhipur, located on the left bank of the Sutlej, is being covered under the Lodhipur Flood Protection Project for 2026. The project involves works over a total stretch of 1700 feet, including reconstruction of 300 feet on the Charan Ganga Ravine and 1400 feet of revetment on the Sutlej, along with construction of 13 studs. The project, estimated at around Rs.4.62 crore, will safeguard Lodhipur, Burj and adjoining areas from floods while strengthening protection of agricultural land.
Highlighting the importance of the Agampur bridge, the Cabinet Minister said it serves as a vital link connecting Malwa and Puadh regions with Doaba and Majha. He added that the bridge also holds strong religious significance as it connects Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib with Sri Akal Takht Sahib, thus carrying deep emotional value for the people of the state. Recalling the threat faced by the bridge in 2025, he said timely intervention by the government ensured its safety. Learning from that experience, extensive flood protection works are now being undertaken around the bridge to prevent future damage.
The Minister informed that this year, flood protection works covering a total length of 6570 feet, nearly 2 km, are underway at an estimated cost of Rs.19.72 crore. At Agampur Slice-I and upstream of the bridge, works over 3920 feet are in progress at a cost of Rs.12.05 crore, including 3280 feet of revetment and construction of 31 studs, which will significantly benefit the Agampur and crusher zone areas.
Similarly, at Harsabela, flood protection works over 2650 feet are being carried out at a cost of Rs.7.67 crore, including 2300 feet of revetment and construction of 23 studs. The Minister reiterated that government is committed to flood prevention, assuring that all projects will be completed within stipulated timelines with high quality standards.
He further stated that at Ajauli, construction of 1500 feet of revetment and 14 studs has been approved at an estimated cost of Rs.3.45 crore. This project will play a key role in regulating the flow of the Sutlej and minimizing future flood damage, providing major relief to residents and agricultural land in Ajauli, Dabkhera and Kalittran villages, he added.
Sh. Goyal also stated that strict action will be taken to curb illegal mining through modernization measures. He informed that work is ongoing at 132 points and is expected to be completed by May 30. He added that under the leadership of Punjab Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, continuous efforts are being made for public welfare.
Prominent amongst others who were present included SDM Sukhpal Singh (Sri Anandpur Sahib), DSP Jashandeep Singh, Chairman Kamikkar Singh Dhadhi, Chairman Gurpreet Singh Arora, Superintending Engineer Ramandeep Singh Bains, Executive Engineer Sandeep Singh Mangat, SDO Varun (Ropar Drainage Sub Division), SDO Nishant Garg (Sri Chamkaur Sahib Drainage), Executive Engineer Bhavuk Sharma (Sri Anandpur Sahib), SDO Narendra Kumar (Nangal), SDO Dinesh Gupta (Sri Anandpur Sahib), SDO Gurjeet Singh (Nurpur Bedi) and other officials.
