Neeraj BaliChandigarh, Aug. 19 -- A sudden rise in the Ravi river has disrupted the only regular crossing used by residents of several villages in Gurdaspur, after authorities suspended boat operations at Makora Pattan on Wednesday.
The precautionary shutdown has affected people living across the river in Bharial, Chebe, Toor Mammian and Chakranga, among other villages. Together, around half a dozen villages depend on the crossing for access to schools, medical care, markets and routine work.
The water level began rising in the afternoon as rain continued in the upper catchment areas. With conditions on the river changing, the administration stopped the boats to avoid putting passengers and operators at risk.
For residents, the problem i...