16 Sikh Regiment, Rupnagar Distt Administration, volunteers jointly save Daudpur and Fasse bundhs: Maj Shaurya Raai
Bahadurjeet Singh /royalpatiala.in News/ Rupnagar, September 6,2025
Heavy rains in Himachal Pradesh raised the water level of the Bhakra Dam, which severely affected the bundhs of the Sutlej River at several points in District Rupnagar, creating an alarming situation. However, through the joint efforts of the16 Sikh Regiment, the District Administration, and local volunteers, the Daudpur and Fasse bundhs falling under Sri Chamkaur Sahib are being saved.
In view of the increased discharge from the Bhakra Dam and the rising level of the Sutlej, Deputy Commissioner Varjeet Walia requisitioned Army assistance from Chandigarh on the night of September 1. A flood relief column of the 16 Sikh Regiment, led by Maj Shaurya Raai, immediately assessed the eroded portions of the Daudpur bund along with Deputy Commissioner Walia and Senior Superintendent of Police Gulneet Singh Khurana, before launching a full-scale relief and rescue operation.
Maj Shaurya Raai and his team worked tirelessly day and night, filling eroded banks, reinforcing embankments, and constructing a second line of defence using wire-mesh cages filled with sandbags and stones. This bund serves as the only protective barrier between the Sutlej River and the population of nearby villages.
Sharing his experience at Daudpur, Maj Raai said, “We are making continuous efforts to further strengthen both embankments. Six Junior Commissioned Officers and 68 jawans have been working round the clock. Through our relentless efforts, we have successfully halted the flow of the Sutlej at Daudpur bund, thereby preventing loss of life and property.”
He also expressed gratitude to the Deputy Commissioner, Varjeet Walia, and SSP Gulneet Singh Khurana, for timely providing all essential support to reinforce the bunds, as well as to the local villagers and volunteers for extending their cooperation.
Maj Raai further added that with the support of people from surrounding villages and thousands of volunteers, the 16 Sikh Regiment and District Administration have managed to save countless lives, and the operation is still ongoing.
Notably, the last flood of such devastating magnitude hit the area in 1988, submerging several villages one after another. Witnessing the Army’s unwavering efforts this time, thousands of locals joined in to assist and even set up temporary langars for the relief teams, showcasing a remarkable example of humanity and solidarity.
