Explainer: Heavy flow of water in Tangri river triggers panic among residents

Hundreds of families living in colonies situated on the Tangri river bed in Ambala Cantonment live in a constant fear of flood. An increase in the water level of the river becomes a source of anxiety and gives sleepless nights to the people who are forced to shift their belongings to safer places.

How has Tangri been a cause for concern for residents?

Tangri is a seasonal river. It swells when there is heavy rainfall in the Shivalik region. Due to the development of illegal colonies, the riverbed has shrunk. This has affected the water-carrying capacity of the river. Although the land belongs to individuals for agricultural use only, a large number of permanent structures have been constructed over the years. The rainy season brings unpredictable conditions for the colonies built on the riverbed and its periphery and the residents bear the brunt when the water level rises.

What is the reason behind the fear?

In 2023, the overflowing river caused heavy losses and the water left a trail of large-scale damage. People were forced to shift to safer places. On their return, they found their houses with ruined furniture, machinery, accumulated sludge and mud. The industrial area and the nearby colonies had also suffered heavy losses.

What is the danger level of the river? How much water has it been receiving?

While the danger mark of the river is 15,400 cusecs, the river had touched around 24,000 cusecs on Sunday night. Water had entered the streets, forcing the residents living in the low-lying areas to shift their belongings to safer places. However, the water later receded and no loss was reported.

What do the people say about the river?

The residents said that they always live in fear of flood. They have no other option but to leave their houses with their belongings whenever the water rises. The majority of the people living in the colonies are daily wagers. In 2019, there was a proposal to channelise the Tangri and built retaining walls along a 2-km stretch from Jagadhri bridge downstream but the project was dropped. The residents said that though the exercise of deepening the riverbed has provided relief, the government should find a permanent solution.

What action has been taken by the government to protect residents?

To prevent damage from river water, a collaborative project was launched in 2023-24 by the Irrigation Department, NHAI and Municipal Council to deepen the riverbed by six feet. The river bed was deepened and widened in the areas of Chandpura, Kardhan and Shahpur and bundhs were constructed to protect the Chandpura and Sarsehri areas. These have helped in increasing the water-carrying capacity of the river. The pending work will be resumed after the rainy season.