BAHAWALPUR: The rising water level in the River Chenab near Panjnad Headworks has posed a threat to the residents of over 20 villages of tehsil Ahmedpur East.

The officials of civil, revenue and irrigation departments told Dawn on Sunday that Ahme dpur`s villages Makhan Bela, Kachi Sjhikrani, Kachi Lal Beat, Bakhtiari and Jagir Sadiqabad and much more adjacent to the pond area of the river were threatened by the flood situation.

Earlier, last month, the residents living in the vast pond areas also faced a flood-like situation and were shifted to saferplaces when the river rose to the medium flood level.

Their crops were also damaged but after the subsiding of the water level in the Chenab river, the area`s inhabitants had a sigh of relief.

Now the water level is continuously rising in the river. The residents of its adjacent areas have been told to evacuate to safer places in Ahmedpur East.

The government officials have also begun to rescue and relief measures.

CELEBRATIONS: Thousands of people thronged picnic and recreation places in the district on Sunday. The National Park of Lal Sohanra, Bahawalpur Zoo and Panjnad Headworks were crowded with picnickers to cele-brate the 75th Independence Day.

Wildlife at the Lal Sohanra park and the local zoo remained the centre of attraction.

The people started celebrations late on Saturday and visited the decorated sites, such as Gulzar-i-Sadig and the Government Sadiq Dane High School, where spectacular firework shows were organised by the cantonment board and the district administration.

A flag-hoisting ceremony was held at the DC office where Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Dr Muhamad Afzal, Divisional Commissioner Raja Jahangir Anwar, DC Irfan Ali Kathiya and DPO Aibadat Nisar were present.