Flash Floods Devastate Apple Orchards in  Tarapur, Koti and Sarahan in  Chopal: Small Farmers Suffer Irreparable Losses

Chopal:  A devastating series of flash floods caused by relentless heavy rains over the past 12 hours has wreaked havoc in the apple-growing regions of Tarapur, Dhanag, Koti, Paudiya Panchayats, and surrounding areas in Sarahan in Chopal subdivision.

The torrential downpour has not only uprooted trees and washed away fields but has also left small and marginal farmers grappling with severe losses to their livelihoods.

One of the affected farmers from Tarapur recounted his harrowing experience, describing how he had packed 300 apple cartons, ready to be transported to the market.

However, his only source of income was swept away by the floods, leaving him with nothing. "In just a few hours, everything was gone. Our hard work, our hopes, all washed away," he said, his voice heavy with despair.

He is not alone in his plight. Over a dozen other farmers in the region have faced similar losses, with their apple orchards completely destroyed.

The once-thriving apple trees now stand uprooted, painting a grim picture of the destruction that has befallen the area.

Local sources revealed that the nalla (seasonal stream) in the area  had been turned into a dumping ground for debris by road contractors, which significantly contributed to the disaster.

The heavy rains transformed the clogged nalla into a raging flood, which surged downstream, obliterating the apple orchards and agricultural fields in its path.

The affected farmers are now appealing to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for immediate assistance.

They are seeking compensation for the catastrophic losses they have endured, hoping for swift action from the government to alleviate their suffering in this time of crisis.

The future remains uncertain for these small and marginal farmers who have lost not just their crops but also their means of survival.