PHILLAUR: In a high-risk, swift operation, teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), local divers, and railway authorities successfully removed a massive plant blockage under the Gidderpindi railway bridge on the Satluj River, preventing a potential disaster in the region.
The intervention, prompted by rapidly rising water levels — with over 2 lakh cusecs flowing through the river — was directly monitored by Deputy Commissioner Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal and Senior Superintendent of Police Harvinder Singh Virk. Officials confirmed that wild vegetation had accumulated beneath the bridge, restricting the natural flow and raising serious concerns about possible breaches, which have previously led to flooding in nearby villages.
Recognizing the urgency, the district administration swiftly mobilized the NDRF and coordinated with railway authorities to address the threat. Divers and rescue personnel braved the turbulent currents in what was described as a “daredevil act” to clear the obstruction.
“The coordinated effort of the divers, NDRF, and local administration has averted a major disaster. The clearance has ensured the safe passage of the river at a critical juncture, ” said Dr. Aggarwal, praising the teams for their relentless efforts.
The Gidderpindi railway bridge, situated at the confluence of the Bein and Satluj rivers, has been experiencing peak flow levels in recent days. With past incidents of breaches in the region fresh in memory, today's operation is being hailed as a vital move that protected multiple villages from imminent flooding.