Paddy Sacks Submerged in Fazilka and Ambala Markets
Heavy rainfall causes massive paddy damage in Fazilka and Ambala grain markets, leaving farmers blaming administrative negligence for the loss.
Devastating heavy rainfall has triggered severe waterlogging across grain markets in Punjab and Haryana, leaving lakhs of quintals of stored paddy submerged in rainwater. The inundation has caused massive damage to harvested crops, sparking intense outrage among local farmers who are witnessing their hard work wash away.
Massive Damage in Fazilka and Ambala
In the Fazilka district of Punjab, the grain market was completely inundated following the recent downpours. Visual evidence from the site shows endless rows of grain sacks lying deep in standing water. A similar scene of destruction was reported in Ambala, Haryana, where piles of paddy sacks were swallowed by floodwaters entering the local market premises.
Farmers at both locations have leveled serious allegations against the administration, claiming that the destruction is a direct consequence of official negligence. They argue that the lack of proper drainage infrastructure and inadequate storage safety measures have left their produce vulnerable to the elements.
Farmers Lament Loss of Six Months of Labor
For the local farming community, the sight of soaked grain is a heartbreaking culmination of months of toil. Naresh Kumar, a farmer directly affected by the flooding in Fazilka, expressed his deep frustration regarding the recurring issue of poor drainage.
"There is no outlet for the water to recede, which caused us a lot of damage. Several of these sacks belong to me. You can see the condition now. It always rains and water always enters here; had it receded, things would not have been bad," Kumar told ANI.
He further emphasized the scale of the tragedy, noting that the damage represents the loss of half a year's worth of effort. "We have suffered losses. We grew crops for six months, and this is the outcome. This is all a waste now," he added, describing the grim situation prevailing across the entire market.
Grim Weather Outlook and IMD Alerts
The situation is expected to worsen as the weather remains unstable across the region. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Ambala, forecasting continued rainfall and thunderstorms, accompanied by lightning and strong surface winds, through October 15.
Meanwhile, Fazilka is also bracing for more inclement weather. The forecast predicts cloudy skies with the possibility of light rain or thunderstorms over the coming days. These ongoing weather conditions are expected to hamper any attempts by farmers to dry their produce or mitigate the damage already inflicted on their stocks.