SIALKOT, Aug 26: Dozens of houses have been eroded in Khanu Bhau, Papeen, Saddarpura, Gangwal, Kaliyaal and Ghazipura villages in Bajwat area along the Sialkot working boundary by the River Chenab.

The speed of the river’s erosion was increasing and the water level was continuously rising, causing serious threats to the local people. Graveyards have also washed out in these villages.

More than 12,000 acres of agricultural land in these villages has already been eroded. The affected people were continuously shifting to safe places with their cattle.

The affected people are totally dependent on cattle and seasonal crops which have already been eroded by the river.

They said no one has yet announced any financial compensation and any relief package for their economical rehabilitation.

They said the provincial irrigation department had prepared feasibility reports to save these villages from erosion by stone pitching and constructing several spurs, but it could not take any practical shape due to differences among local politicians.

They urged President Gen Pervez Musharraf, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi to take effective steps to save them.

Meanwhile, irrigation department officials said they were fully aware of the situation.