Ghaggar swells to season's peak, Kaithal district on high alert

Ghaggar’s water level is on the rise after heavy rainfall in the hills as well as different parts of Kaithal on Sunday, prompting the district administration to sound an alert for the people living along it. The district administration is also on high alert.

Kaithal district experienced moderate to heavy rainfall on Sunday. Kaithal block witnessed 40 mm rainfall between 8 am and 5 pm. It was 35 mm in Guhla, 16 mm in Kalayat, 40 mm in Pundri, 15 mm at Dhand, 46 mm in Siwan and 80 mm in Rajound.

As per the information available, discharge at the Tatiana gauge touched 42,342 cusecs by 4 pm with the water level rising to 21 ft – the highest flow of this monsoon. The danger level is at 23 ft.

Officials fear that any further increase could trigger flood-like conditions across Guhla, Cheeka and adjoining villages.

In view of heavy rainfall and increasing water level, Deputy Commissioner Kaithal Preeti, who personally inspected various places along the Ghaggar river and also reviewed the situation, said that the administration was fully prepared to deal with any emergency.

“I visited different places and interacted with the people, who still remember the floods of 2023. This time, we have been alert from the very beginning. The water level is rising but is below the danger mark. There is no need to panic,” she said while inspecting the site.

She also said that coordination with Punjab authorities is being maintained as the Ghaggar flows across state boundaries. “We are in constant touch with Punjab officials. Residents must remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary movement near the river. The administration is on the alert,” she said.

Earlier, SDM Kalayat Ajay Hooda also inspected Tatiana gauge and other places on Saturday. He confirmed heavy deployment of men and machinery. “Machines have been stationed at embankments to tackle any breach immediately. Around 32 villages have been alerted and village secretaries have been assigned duties,” he said.

He also confirmed that the edges of the river are being strengthened. All departments have been asked to remain on round-the-clock standby. “No negligence will be tolerated,” Hooda said.

Local residents, however, expressed unease as they recalled the previous flood. “We just hope the administration’s preparations will control the flood if it occurs,” said Munish Kumar, a local resident.

On the other hand, with the rising water level in the Yamuna in Karnal district, the administration is on the alert. However, the water level is around 50,000 cusecs and it is fluctuating. XEN Irrigation Department Karnal Manoj Kumar said that they are monitoring the situation. The edges of the river are being strengthened.

A district flood control room at Kaithal has been set up at room number 105, first floor, Mini Secretariat. In any emergency, the public can contact helpline number 01746-234528. Besides, a control room has been established at the Guhla sub-division level that can be contacted at 01743-221555.