Ghaggar over danger mark, 6,360 acres in 39 villages submerged in Kaithal

The Ghaggar continued to flow above the danger mark on Sunday, swelling to 24.3 feet against the danger level of 23 feet near Tatiana village, with a heavy discharge of 52,714 cusecs. The rising floodwaters have submerged around 6,360 acres of agricultural land in 39 villages, leaving paddy and other crops partially and fully under water in several villages.

Edu institutes to remain close for 2 days

In view of the rising water level of the Ghaggar, Deputy Commissioner, Kaithal, Preeti has ordered that all schools, colleges, ITIs, anganwari centres and stadiums in Guhla sub-division will remain closed for two days — September 8 and 9.

The river has also overflowed in parts of Paprala and Bhusla and entered adjoining fields. Farmers have expressed concern over the losses. “This is the peak time for paddy, and with our fields under water, the entire season’s hard work may go waste,” said Anil, a farmer. Another farmer Sahab Singh said, “Even if the water recedes soon, the damage to crops is beyond recovery.”

The authorities, however, remain on high alert. Guhla SDM Parmesh Singh visited the affected villages to review the situation. He assured residents that coordinated efforts were underway to manage the flood threat. Deputy Commissioner, Kaithal, Preeti and Superintendent of Police (SP) Astha Modi also visited various villages on Saturday to assess the situation. They also interacted with people and assured all kind of help to them.

“People should not panic. The levels of the Ghaggar, Tangri and Markanda rivers in Ambala district have started receding, and we are hopeful the situation in Kaithal will also improve soon,” said the SDM.

Meanwhile, district administration teams and engineers continue to monitor vulnerable points along the embankments. Relief measures are being undertaken as officials brace for further developments.

Officials and employees of various departments are working to address farmers’ and residents’ concerns while ensuring the availability of essential services.

The SDM clarified that floodwaters had not entered any residential areas so far. At present, nearly 6,360 acres of agricultural land across 39 villages are submerged. “E-kshatipurti portal for compensation is likely to be opened soon for affected farmers. The Revenue Department has identified vulnerable kutcha houses at risk of collapse due to heavy rain and rising water, and residents are being shifted to safer locations. The Irrigation Department, supported by heavy machinery and labourers, is strengthening embankments and repairing weak portions of the Hansi-Butana canal. Night patrollings are being conducted, and blocked culverts are being cleared to facilitate water drainage,” said the SDM.

The Public Health Department has set up four control rooms at Rattakhera Kadam, Rattakhera Lukman, Tatiana and Baupur, while water tankers are supplying clean drinking water. Damaged pipelines are being repaired, and water samples are being tested to prevent water-borne diseases. Health teams are distributing chlorine tablets, ORS packets and running OPDs. The Electricity Department has secured power stations, made alternative arrangements and linked Bhusla, Paprala and Daba to ensure uninterrupted supply. The Animal Husbandry Department has deployed mobile veterinary vans in villages.

SDM Singh has appealed to the public not to believe in rumours or circulate old videos on social media. He urged the people to follow official advisories.