35 Karnal villages on alert as 3.2L cusecs released from Hathnikund

With the release of 3.2 lakh cusecs of water from the Hathnikund Barrage in Yamunanagar on Monday morning, the Yamuna once again became a cause for anxiety for thousands of families in nearly 35 villages of Karnal district.

For the villagers living along the riverbanks, nights have turned into sleepless vigils. Every rise in the water level rekindles fears of sudden floods that could damage crops and wash away belongings. The trauma of the devastating 2023 floods continues to haunt many, preventing them from resting in peace.

By afternoon, the discharged water had reached Karnal, intensifying concern in low-lying areas, though no embankment breaches were reported. The Yamuna also overflowed at the Shergarh Tapu bridge, a key link between Haryana and Uttar Pradesh used daily by thousands of vehicles. The bridge has since been closed, disrupting traffic.

“In the 2023 floods, we lost almost everything. Even the sound of water now makes us restless,” said Rakesh, a resident. Another villager, Rajpal, shared that families were closely monitoring the river’s level and adhering to the district administration’s guidelines.

Meanwhile, the Karnal district administration has issued an alert for vulnerable villages. Deputy Commissioner (DC) Uttam Singh, accompanied with officials of the Irrigation Department, visited Kunda Kalan and Kalsora to inspect embankments and review the river’s flow. He directed officials to remain on standby and maintain round-the-clock surveillance. Singh also met local sarpanches and urged residents to avoid unnecessary movement near the river.

“All departments have been put on alert, and officials have been instructed to stay at their headquarters during this critical period. Any lapse in preparedness will invite strict disciplinary action,” Singh said.

Haryana Assembly Speaker Harvinder Kalyan also inquired about the situation from the DC, stressing the need for close coordination among departments to manage any flood-like conditions.

Irrigation officials said that they have been monitoring the situation. Machines have been placed along the embankments to check any kind of breach. “So far, the situation is under control,” said Sanjay Rahar, Superintending Engineer (SE).

Ghaggar inches closer to danger mark, Kaithal on Alert

As the Ghaggar swelled following continuous rainfall, nearly three dozen villages in Kaithal district were put on alert. Official data shows that discharge at the Tatiana gauge touched 42,548 cusecs, or 21.1 feet—just short of the danger mark of 23 feet. The authorities predict the water level may further rise.

Deputy Commissioner Preeti inspected flood-prone areas on Sunday and directed officials to stay on standby. Flood control rooms have been set up at the district and Guhla sub-division levels. “All necessary arrangements are in place, and teams are ready for a swift response if the water rises further,” she assured.