Erosion forces residents away from river

Residents face severe difficulties in Muza Murada Dilo village near Harappa

SAHIWAL: Land erosion has continued rapidly in Sahiwal district over the last week as more water flows in from Ravi River at high speeds. Residents have faced severe difficulties due to the extreme erosion in Muza Murada Dilo village near Harappa.

Some residents have started to relocate by dismantling parts of their houses, including furniture, and are shifting the material, along with their personal possessions, to safer places. Around 40 houses located in Muza Murada Dilo village were damaged due to land erosion and about 150 people are relocating on a self-help basis. The displaced persons are arranging their accommodations as far away from the river as possible.

One of the residents told The Express Tribune that standing crops, planted on several acres of land, have been destroyed due to the erosion and as many as five houses have also been destroyed.  “Neither has anyone come to help us nor has anyone installed rescue camps to support us.”

Another resident said two government schools are also at risk of being destroyed as the river water has reached them. ”There were no arrangements to protect the school premises. A few days ago, three-year-old Tajammul was swept away by the river water and his body remains unfound. No rescue operation was conducted.”

A third resident remarked that they haven’t received any aid from the authorities and no dam has been built to contain the water and minimise erosion. Sahiwal DC Zaman Wattoo said that the Irrigation Department has been instructed to reach the spot and provide all possible assistance to residents.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 23^rd, 2019.