Sangrur lies in Punjab’s Malwa region and borders Haryana. The town was once the capital of the Jind princely state; Sunam is the birthplace of Shaheed Udham Singh. Its paddy-wheat economy faces severe groundwater depletion. In October 2025, Sangrur topped a single-day farm-fire count. A Deputy Commissioner (DC) must balance water conservation and cleaner air with farmers’ livelihoods and reliable crop procurement.
Timeline: Sangrur in 6 stops
- 1899Sunam birthBirth
Udham Singh was born in Sunam.
- 1919Amritsar massacreTurning point
The Jallianwala Bagh massacre became central to Udham Singh’s political journey.
- 1940London assassinationRevenge
Udham Singh assassinated Michael O’Dwyer in London to avenge Jallianwala Bagh.
- 2021District reorganisationNew district
Malerkotla was carved out of Sangrur district.
- 2024Paddy procurementProtest
Lehragaga farmers held a chakka jam over slow paddy lifting.
- Oct 2025Harvest seasonFarm fires
Sangrur topped a single-day farm-fire count.
Know your district
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Sangrur |
| Region | Malwa |
| Rivers and terrain | Agricultural plains; the Ghaggar affects the Moonak and Khanauri areas. |
| Borders | Haryana |
| Known for | Sunam and Udham Singh; Sangrur town’s association with the Jind princely state. |
| Famous personalities | Shaheed Udham Singh, freedom fighter born in Sunam. |
| Economy | Agriculture, especially the paddy-wheat cropping system. |
Places and people the board may ask about
- Sangrur town: It was formerly the capital of the Jind princely state.
- Sunam: This town is the birthplace of Shaheed Udham Singh.
- Udham Singh: He assassinated Michael O’Dwyer in London in 1940 to avenge Jallianwala Bagh.
- Moonak: The area faces flooding associated with the Ghaggar.
- Khanauri: This area is also affected by Ghaggar floods.
- Lehragaga: Farmers here protested over slow paddy lifting in 2024.
Strengths and challenges
Strengths
- An established agricultural economy supports rural livelihoods.
- Sunam connects the district to the freedom struggle through Udham Singh.
- Sangrur town has a distinctive princely-state heritage.
Challenges
- Water-intensive paddy cultivation adds pressure to depleted groundwater.
- Farm fires affect air quality; farmers also face time and cost pressures after harvest.
- Ghaggar floods threaten communities and farmland around Moonak and Khanauri.
What happened in 2025-26
- October 2025: Sangrur topped a single-day farm-fire count during the paddy season. The Punjab farm-fires brief connects the issue to the wider state context.
- February 2026: A Member of Parliament’s release claimed groundwater stress at 100% of monitored deep-well sites in Sangrur. The figure refers to monitored sites, not every well; see the groundwater depletion brief.
If you were DC of Sangrur
- Save groundwater: Work with agriculture and groundwater officials to promote less water-intensive crops and irrigation practices.
- Reduce farm fires: Coordinate crop-residue machinery access through existing agriculture department channels, especially for small farmers.
- Prepare for floods: Map vulnerable settlements around Moonak and Khanauri, update evacuation plans and conduct community drills.
- Improve procurement: Coordinate with procurement agencies and transporters to identify lifting bottlenecks early.
- Engage communities: Hold regular meetings with farmers and local bodies, and track action on their concerns.
Likely interview questions
Tell us about your home district, Sangrur.
Answer pointers:
- Locate it in Malwa, bordering Haryana.
- Mention Jind state heritage, Sunam and the paddy-wheat economy.
- Close with groundwater conservation as a shared priority.
Why is groundwater depletion a major challenge in Sangrur, and how would you address it without hurting farmers?
Answer pointers:
- Explain the pressure from irrigation-intensive paddy.
- Recognise that farmers need dependable income and procurement.
- Support gradual diversification and efficient irrigation with farmer participation.
As DC of Sangrur, how would you respond to a flood threat near Moonak?
Answer pointers:
- Check river information and identify vulnerable settlements.
- Coordinate warnings, evacuation, shelter and essential services.
- Review relief delivery and restore livelihoods fairly.
Why is Sunam significant in India’s freedom struggle?
Answer pointers:
- Identify Sunam as Udham Singh’s birthplace.
- Explain his 1940 assassination of Michael O’Dwyer in the context of Jallianwala Bagh.
- Connect the memory of the freedom struggle with responsible citizenship.
How does Sangrur’s farm-fire problem link environmental protection with farmers’ livelihoods across Punjab?
Answer pointers:
- Recognise the public-health impact of smoke.
- Explain farmers’ post-harvest time and cost constraints.
- Combine accessible residue-management support with fair enforcement.
Speak with pride about Sunam and Sangrur’s heritage, but acknowledge groundwater and farm-fire challenges. Be ready with a practical solution that respects farmers’ livelihoods.
Prelims Practice Corner
Q1. Sunam is the birthplace of which freedom fighter?
(a) Bhagat Singh (b) Udham Singh (c) Lala Lajpat Rai (d) Kartar Singh Sarabha
Show answer
Answer: (b) because Udham Singh was born in Sunam.
Q2. Which district was carved out of Sangrur in 2021?
(a) Malerkotla (b) Mansa (c) Pathankot (d) Fazilka
Show answer
Answer: (a) because Malerkotla became a separate district in 2021.
Q3. Which river is associated with flooding around Moonak and Khanauri?
(a) Beas (b) Ravi (c) Ghaggar (d) Sutlej
Show answer
Answer: (c) because Ghaggar floods affect these areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sangrur district famous for?
Sangrur is known for Sunam, the birthplace of Udham Singh, and for its agricultural economy. Sangrur town was also the capital of the Jind princely state.
Which region of Punjab is Sangrur in?
Sangrur is in the Malwa region of Punjab. The district borders Haryana.
What are Sangrur’s main environmental challenges?
Groundwater depletion, farm fires and Ghaggar floods are major challenges. Paddy cultivation and irrigation are important to the district’s water discussion.
Related Current Affairs
More Punjab district profiles
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