Water recedes, but erosion along Yamuna major threat

Even as the water level in the Yamuna has come down, the threat of erosion along the edges of the river has sparked fresh concerns, forcing the Irrigation Department to take up urgent repair and strengthening work.

As per officials, the recent surge reached around 3.2 lakh cusecs last week, submerging nearly 7,500 acres of farmland across 23 villages in the district. The devastation caused significant crop losses. With the level dipping below 40,000 cusecs, the authorities are optimistic, but the situation will not return to normal anytime soon.

The most critical damage has been reported at Modipur bandh, where around five studs have been damaged; and at Kundakala bandh, where a stud has been bypassed by water. These breaches pose a major challenge to the department as it rushes to prevent further erosion of the riverbanks. Heavy machinery has been deployed round the clock to strengthen the weak stretches.

“The erosion is a serious issue. Our teams are working to strengthen the edges. Repair work at the existing structure has been prioritised to ensure stability,” said Manoj Kumar, XEN. Though relieved at the falling levels, the farmers expressed their anguish over the damage to standing crops.

Happy, a farmer, said, “The sight of the water receding gives us hope, but the loss is too heavy to ignore. Our paddy crop has been destroyed.”

Arvind Kumar, another farmer, said they were already struggling with rising input costs, and now, with the fields submerged, the entire season’s hard work has gone to waste. “The government should give compensation to farmers,” he added.

Manish Kumar, District Revenue Officer, Karnal, urged the farmers to register crop loss reports on the portal.

Ghaggar level drops

Kaithal: The level of Ghaggar has started to recede, bringing relief to villages situated along the river. The level at the Tatiana gauge, which stood at 24.8 ft at 7 am on Tuesday, dropped to 24.6 ft by 3 pm.

Guhla SDM Parmesh Singh said the district administration had been maintaining vigil and visiting affected villages. Reports of declining levels in the Tangri and Markanda also indicated a positive trend, he said.

To support affected farmers, the government had opened the e-Kshatipurti portal, where crop loss reports can be registered. Farmers from 39 villages located along the Ghaggar could apply through the portal, he said.

Essential supplies, veterinary care, and relief camps are being organised in flood-affected areas.