Heavy Rains Trigger Flood-like Conditions in Patiala, Rajpura Thermal Plant Unit Closed

PATIALA: The district of Patiala in Punjab is currently grappling with severe flood-like conditions caused by heavy rainfall, leading officials to seek assistance from the army to manage the escalating crisis. As a consequence of the heavy downpour, rainwater has infiltrated the Rajpura Thermal Power Plant, forcing the closure of one of its 700 MW units.

In response to the rising water levels across the district, teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been deployed for relief and rescue operations. The breach in the Sutlej-Yamuna link canal in Rajpura city has contributed to the escalating water levels, prompting the Patiala district administration to request assistance from the army.

Sakshi Sawhney, the Deputy Commissioner of Patiala, reported that a private hospital in Rajpura was flooded on Sunday, resulting in the transfer of patients to other medical facilities. The army successfully assisted in the evacuation of approximately 800 students from a private university in the district. Several rivers, including Ghaggar, Markanda, Pachisdara, Narwana, Tangri, and Patiala, along with their tributaries and canals, are flowing above the danger mark, posing a threat of flooding to nearby villages.

Officials are actively taking necessary steps to prevent loss of life and property, ensuring timely relief for affected individuals. The situation remains critical, with numerous roads inundated and water levels of major rivers surpassing the danger mark, causing flooding in Gopal Colony and Arai Majari near Patiala city.

State Health Minister Balbir Singh visited the affected areas to assess the ongoing rescue operations, while local MLA Ajit Pal Singh Kholi is actively contributing to relief efforts. However, opposition parties have criticized the state government's response to the situation. Patiala Member of Parliament Parneet Kaur expressed her dissatisfaction and called for more effective measures to be implemented. Former MP from Patiala, Dharamveer Gandhi, emphasized that the government should have taken immediate and decisive action to protect people from the floods.

Authorities have reported no loss of life thus far, but concerns have arisen regarding potential damage to the paddy crops in various parts of the district due to the flooding. The situation in Patiala continues to be closely monitored, with authorities working tirelessly to alleviate the impact of the flooding and provide necessary assistance to affected residents.