Ludhiana, Aug. 18 -- As the water level in the Sutlej river continues to rise steadily, residents of Garhi Fazal, Kannaur, and nearby villages have started making preparations on their own to avoid any untoward incident. Concerned over the increasing water flow, the villagers have begun placing sandbags along the dhusi bundh (earthen embankment) to strengthen weak spots and prevent possible breaches.

Compounding their concerns, the water discharge in river Sutlej near Phillaur has shown a steady rise as in recent this week, water level has seen 20,000 cusecs. Although the water level is still well below the danger mark, the continuous increase has made villagers wary.

Reportedly, earlier this week, the water discharge in river Sutlej ha...