Farmers relieved as Yamuna waters recede

After a day of anxiety, the Yamuna began receding on Monday, easing fears of flooding in low-lying villages of Karnal district. The discharge at Karnal dropped to nearly 1 lakh cusecs by afternoon, compared to 1.8 lakh cusecs recorded earlier in the day.

Farmers expressed guarded relief. Rajpal, a paddy grower, said, “We were worried that the water would sweep away our paddy fields. Thankfully, it is receding now, but every monsoon we live in constant fear.” Another farmer, Rishi, said, “The administration wakes up only after the water rises. Preparations should be made before the rains, not after. Still, we are relieved today that the river has calmed down a bit.”

The surge had come after 1.78 lakh cusecs of water were released from the Hathnikund Barrage on Sunday, the highest discharge of the monsoon season, sparking fears in nearly 35 villages including Garhpur Tapu, Nabiabad, Nabipur, Dakwala, Lalupura, and Shergarh Tapu.

Officials said vigilance continues despite receding levels. “Though the water has started receding, the situation is being monitored round the clock. Our field staff members are checking any possible breach at vulnerable places,” said Manoj Kumar, XEN, Irrigation Department. Embankments near Modipur complex were reinforced with sandbags as erosion began.

In Shergarh Tapu, the road linking Haryana and Uttar Pradesh was submerged in the morning, snapping connectivity. By afternoon, however, machinery had been pressed into service and villagers saw the water levels decline. Anil Kumar, a resident, said, “We had to face difficulty even stepping out as the water was flowing over the road. By afternoon it started receding.”