Chandigarh: Around 70 villages in Punjab’s Ropar district are facing a serious landslide threat with just three months left before the monsoon season, even as no major preventive work has begun.
The risk stems from last year’s floods in the Sutlej river, which caused widespread damage. Villages such as Bhabour Sahib, Bada Pind Upper, Pingwari, Surewal Upper, Dolowal Upper, Manakpur and Gambhirpur are among the worst affected, as they lie along riverbanks or on hilly slopes prone to soil erosion.
Heavy rains during the 2025 monsoon had left deep cracks in houses and agricultural land, rendering many homes unsafe. Residents say leaders visited the area and made promises, but little has changed on the ground, forcing families to continue living in partially damaged houses under constant fear.
Officials said the delay in relief and protection work is due to a lack of funds, with both the Soil Conservation Department and the Public Works Department citing financial constraints.
Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, who represents the area, acknowledged the seriousness of the situation. He said around ₹70 crore is required to construct retaining walls and that a request has been made for funds from the State Disaster Management Fund.
While the minister expressed hope that funds will be released soon, villagers warn that unless work begins before the upcoming monsoon, there could be significant loss of life and property.
