Flood threat looms in 22 Karnal villages

Parveen Arora

Tribune News Service

Karnal, August 18

The threat of flood looms large on 22 villages of Indri, Kunjpura, Karnal and Gharaunda blocks situated near the Yamuna river after the water level crossed 5 lakh cusecs at 8 pm on Sunday.

About 200 acres of crops in the district’s Shergarh Tapu, Chandrao, Japti Chapra and Nabiabad villages were submerged. “Floods occur every year. This means we incur losses every year,” said Mainpal, a farmer of Shergarh Tapu village.

The authorities say water level has already crossed the danger mark of 2.5 lakh cusecs. It is expected to cross 8 lakh cusecs by Monday morning.

Navtej Singh, Executive Engineer (XEN), Irrigation and Water Resources Department, “The district administration has kept 20 JCB machines, 25 tractor-trolleys, five dumpers and a boat on standby. About 2.5 lakh soil bags have been arranged in case of any emergency.”

The district authorities have sounded an alert for residents living near the Yamuna.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Vinay Pratap Singh said: “We have issued an advisory for residents living in the vicinity to remain vigilant, particularly at night. We have also asked farmers not to visit their fields adjoining the Yamuna. The announcement has been made in every village in this connection.”

Officials and of the Departments of Irrigation, Revenue and Police have been kept on alert. “All officers and officials have been directed not to leave their station,” the DC said.

The district authorities have established a flood control room. People can share any information related to flood by calling up 2267271 and 100.