SIALKOT, July 24: Residents of Bajwat remained stranded along the banks of the River Tavi as the private and official boatmen refused to ferry them due to a spate in the river.

Residents of 85 bordering villages in Bajwat sector have been cut off from the rest of the district for the last two weeks after the collapse of a wooden bridge near Saidpur Pattan due to the flood in the river.

The bridge is the only mean of communication between Bajwat villages and Sialkot district.

Meanwhile, River Chenab and Tavi swelling due to heavy rains in Sialkot and Narowal districts and catchments of Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. There is a medium level flood in Chenab and Tavi.

Sialkot DCO Maj Rizwan Baig said the repair of the bridge could only be started after the rainy season was over.

PADDY GROWERS: Farmers, especially paddy growers, were happy as with the heavy rain saying it was conducive for the paddy crops sowing. Paddy sowing is in full swing in Sialkot and Narowal districts.— Correspondent