Ghaggar in spate, several villages in Sirsa district at risk of flooding

The Ghaggar river in Sirsa is overflowing, creating flood-like situation in several villages. On Saturday, riverbank gave way at Ranga village, flooding the nearby areas. A tractor driver fell off the vehicle during rescue operations, but was safely pulled out with the help of a JCB machine.

In Panihari, the main embankment of the river collapsed, allowing water to enter the village. An embankment has also been damaged due to erosion at Ahmedpur village. Around 700 acres of land in nearby areas is waterlogged. Fields near Jhorarnali bridge have been flooded since Friday night. Water has reached Ahmedpur’s farms, prompting villagers to build temporary barriers. Embankments had also failed in Burj Karamgarh and continuous rain since 1 pm on Saturday worsened the situation.

Ghaggar’s level is rising by about 1 ft daily. Villages, including Mallewala, Nejadela Kalan, Khairekan, Jhorarnali, Saharni, Jhopra, Nejadela Khurd, Dhani 400, Kelnia and Mirpur, are on a high alert as Ghaggar may overflow soon.

At Ottu Head, the flow has surged to 27,500 cusecs from 24,000 a day earlier, nearing the danger mark of 17 ft.

Deputy Commissioner Shantanu Sharma said embankments are being monitored and reinforced with villagers’ help. Citizens are urged to report any threat of flooding at 01666-248882 or 01666-248880.

Social, religious groups help flood victims

Religious and social groups in Sirsa, including Dera Bhuman Shah and Dera Sacha Sauda, are providing food, water and fodder to people in flood-hit areas. Shah Satnam Ji Green S Welfare Committee volunteers sealed a breach at Hisar-Ghaggar drain near Modia Khera village, saving fields with standing crops from getting inundated. Aid is also reaching Punjab, besides other flood-hit areas of Haryana. Farmer groups are also assisting in relief and rescue work.

MLA slams govt for lack of monsoon preparedness

Rania MLA Arjun Chautala, while visiting flood-hit areas, blamed the administration for not properly cleaning and removing silt from the Ghaggar river and canals, despite advanced warnings regarding monsoon rains.

He said silt reduces the river’s water carrying capacity and desilting has been done for two years.

Arjun Chautala added that weak embankments and unchecked growth of trees and bushes have worsened the situation in Rania, where crops over 3,000 acres are now submerged.

The MLA demanded a special girdawari and immediate compensation.

Arjun Chautala urged the state government to keep the portal open for at least 10-12 days and ensure proper verification before granting relief to affected farmers.

Selja slams govt ‘inaction’ during flood crisis

Former Union Minister and Sirsa MP Kumari Selja visited the flood-affected villages today and criticised the government, saying no proper relief or rescue efforts are in place. “The government has left people to fend for themselves, which is both worrying and shameful,” she said.

Selja visited villages, including Mirpur and Kelnia, where large areas have been waterlogged due to broken embankments. Villagers told her that ring bundhs had collapsed, water had entered fields and rising water levels could soon wipe out crops.