Rising Ghaggar river sparks flood fears in Sirsa villages

The water level of the Ghaggar river in Sirsa has risen sharply, triggering flood-like conditions in surrounding villages and spreading panic among residents. In the past 24 hours, the river has swelled by nearly three feet, causing water to overflow into homes and fields. Backflow from Pehowa has worsened the situation, while several drains are now overflowing.

Villagers reported water entering homes, leaking roofs and a shortage of tarpaulins in the market, with some alleging black marketing. Cracks have developed in many houses, forcing families to evacuate. Heavy rain has already led to the collapse of two house walls in Nejadela-Mallewala and a government laboratory wall on Barnala Road. The Sirsa-Dabwali stretch of the Delhi National Highway has also been damaged due to soil erosion near Mirpur bridge, raising safety concerns.

Early Wednesday, a breach occurred in the Hisar-Ghaggar drain between Gudiakhera and Modiakhera, flooding 15 acres of paddy fields. On Tuesday night, the Mangala Ghaggar drain gave way at three points near Jamal, damaging more crops.

Congress district president and Darba sarpanch Santosh Beniwal released a video accusing the administration of negligence and threatened a protest if the matter was not addressed promptly.

Continuous rainfall has already harmed cotton crops, with farmers reporting yellowing leaves, drying plants and fears of poor yield. They have demanded a survey and government compensation, saying agriculture has become an unbearable loss.

The administration, however, maintained that the situation was under control. Deputy Commissioner Shantanu Sharma said 24 Irrigation Department teams were monitoring embankments round the clock. Senior officials, including SDMs and Tehsildars, were visiting vulnerable areas and reviewing safety measures.

To strengthen embankments, mud is being filled using tractors, JCBs and Poklane machines, while sandbags are being placed under MGNREGA as a precaution. As of 4 pm, water discharge stood at 35,100 cusecs at Sardulgarh point and 19,000 cusecs downstream at Ottu Weir.

The DC urged people to remain alert but not panic. He asked villagers near the river to immediately report any leaks or damage to local officials or the flood control room (01666-248882). Citizens were also advised to stay indoors during rainfall and avoid electric poles and water bodies for safety.