SIALKOT, Sept 14: The river Chenab is changing its course again and threatening dozens of border area villages after eroding more than 12,000 acres of agricultural land recently. The affected residents of Khanu Bhau, Papeen, Saddarpura, Gangwal, Kaliyaal and Ghazipura in Bajwat sector have started shifting to safe places along with their cattle and valuables. They have been spending sleepless nights under the open sky fearing for their belongings.

They told this correspondent the speed of erosion was increasing as the water level was continuously rising. They said they depended on the river for earning their livelihood.

They said no one has yet announced financial compensation for them.

The shrine of Baba Chourang in Papeen has also been eroded by the river.

Irrigation officials said they were fully aware of the situation.

Requesting anonymity, they said they were unable to do anything to save the villages from erosion due to the ‘influence’ of the ruling party politicians.

They urged President Gen Musharraf, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and Punjab Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi to take urgent steps to rehabilitate them.