Frequent Accidents Along the Bist Doab Canal and Surrounding Areas

Many Precious Lives Lost and Vehicles Damaged After Falling into the Canal

Hoshiarpur / Daljeet Ajnoha/June 14

The Bist Doab Canal, constructed in 1956, was initially built with high mud embankments (narrow pathways) on both sides. These embankments ensured the safe passage of small and medium vehicles along the canal road. At that time, heavy vehicles were prohibited from using the canal road. There were five iron gates installed between Garhshankar and Adampur — located roughly one kilometer ahead of Garhshankar, at the bridge near village Posi, near Kot Fatuhi, close to Mehtiana bridge, and another near the railway line beyond the village Damuda.

To cross these points, drivers had to inform the stationed canal staff, who would then unlock the heavy iron gates to allow passage. The embankments were regularly maintained by appointed workers, who shaped the slopes in a way that minimized the risk of accidents.

However, with the passage of time and changing governments, the condition of the canal paths deteriorated. The iron gates were removed, and the presence of canal department staff and workers gradually disappeared. Meanwhile, the number of private vehicles increased, and traffic on the canal roads grew rapidly and unchecked.

In recent years, especially between Garhshankar and Adampur, many accidents have occurred where people have fallen into the canal, resulting in tragic deaths and vehicles going missing. These incidents are frequently reported in newspapers and news channels.

Earlier, the roads alongside the canal were in very poor condition, filled with deep potholes, leading to multiple accidents. Now, although the road has been upgraded and elevated, the side embankments have disappeared completely. No safety railings have been installed. The improved road has ironically increased the risk, as heavy tipper trucks and trailers now also use the route, posing constant danger to smaller vehicles.

Pandit Balbir Bhardwaj shared that recently, near the Kot Fatuhi bridge, an auto-rickshaw driver tried to give way to a tractor but lost balance and fell into the canal. Fortunately, since it was daytime, bystanders noticed the incident and managed to rescue the driver in time.

Similarly, Mr. Sehdev stated that any individual traveling on a scooter or motorcycle alongside the canal feels unsafe, fearing an accident — as large vehicles often do not yield space to smaller ones. On one side is the canal, and on the other are deep fields, making it especially risky for two-wheelers and smaller vehicles.

Village head (Numberdar) Sarbjot Singh Sabi demanded that the government immediately install safety railings along both sides of the Bist Doab Canal from Garhshankar to Adampur to prevent further accidents. He pointed out that at a few bridge points, safety railings have been installed, but the entire stretch urgently needs attention.

In a recent exclusive conversation on this issue, Member of Parliament Dr. Raj Kumar Chabbewal stated that work will soon begin on installing safety railings along the canal road to help prevent such unfortunate incidents.

Local residents are strongly urging authorities to take swift action and install safety railings along the Bist Doab Canal to ensure no more precious lives are lost.