Ghaggar level rises by 3ft in Sirsa; villages on alert, farmlands affected

Continuous rain in the hills has caused a sharp rise in the water level of the Ghaggar, creating panic among villagers in the district, especially in Rori area where the level has increased by 3 ft in the past 24 hours. At the Sardulgarh bridge in Punjab, the river’s level reached 19.5 ft this morning, just half a foot below the 20-ft danger mark. Currently, nearly 12,000 cusecs is flowing through the river.

The district administration has issued an alert for villages located along the river. SDM Rajendra Kumar visited the embankments in Rori, Baragudha, and nearby areas to inspect the situation and interacted with villagers. He urged them to immediately inform the authorities in case they noticed any seepage or pressure on the riverbanks. He assured the villagers that the administration was closely monitoring the situation and was prepared to handle any emergency.

Due to the increase in water levels, around 50 acres in Nejadela village and another 20 acres near the broken Kutiana minor canal have been submerged, resulting in crop damage. Villagers and officials from the irrigation department are working together to strengthen the embankments and prevent further damage. Overflowing water in the Rangoi drain has also added to the concerns of nearby residents.

To reduce the pressure on the Ghaggar, four gates of the Ottu Headworks have been opened to release excess water towards Rajasthan. Officials said two more gates may be opened if the situation does not come under control. Public announcements are being made in nearby villages, advising residents to remain alert, especially during nighttime.

The administration has released flood control room contact numbers for public assistance: 01666-248882/01666-248880.

The SDM assured the public that the administration was keeping a round-the-clock watch on the river. He stressed that no negligence would be tolerated and necessary instructions had been issued to fix weak points along the embankments.

An irrigation department official said the Ghaggar water was being released through the opened gates to manage the river level and that embankments were being reinforced.