Rising Ghaggar threatens Sirsa villages, 1,200 acres submerged

Sirsa district is facing a serious flood threat as the water level in Ghaggar river has crossed the danger mark.

On Friday morning, the river’s main stream breached embankments between Jhorarnali and Kelania villages, flooding nearly 1,200 acres of farmland. Crops and irrigation motors were submerged, causing significant financial loss to farmers.

While the main dam remains safe and no major damage has been reported in residential areas, the rising water has alarmed villagers and farmers alike.

The district administration has launched response efforts with local residents joining in in flood-protection activities. As of Friday morning, the water level at Sardulgarh Point was 43,420 cusecs, rising to 43,940 cusecs by the evening.

At the Ottu Weir, 21,700 cusecs of water was recorded. All gates were opened to release water towards Rajasthan, where the situation is also worsening.

Farmers have been hit hard. The flooded fields between Jhoranali and Kelania have ruined standing crops and damaged motors. Fortunately, as the area is not densely populated, no major loss of life or property was reported. However, the situation remains tense.

Water from the Ghaggar has now reached the main dam between Jhoranali and Kelania, cutting off road connectivity to several villages. Roads connecting these areas to Sirsa have been submerged, isolating villages like Dhotar, Dhani Limba and Kharian.

Residents now have to take longer routes via Panjuana or Rania to reach Sirsa. This has especially affected daily commuters from Jhoranali who travel to Sirsa for work and essential needs.

Sirsa Deputy Commissioner Shantanu Sharma and the SDM visited the breach sites and instructed officials to take swift action. The administration has urged people not to believe rumours circulating on social media. Meanwhile, local farmers are working with soil bags and other materials to reinforce embankments.

The administration has deployed 24 monitoring teams along the riverbanks. Boats, pumps and other flood-control equipment have been positioned in sensitive areas.

Villagers in nearby areas such as Ranga, Lahangewala, Farwai Kalan, Musahibwala, and Gudiakhera are also worried. They report that several embankments have weakened due to continuous rain and rising water levels, causing seepage into their fields. Locals are demanding immediate repairs to prevent a major flood.

The rising Ghaggar poses a serious challenge to the district. With more rainfall expected and embankments under pressure, urgent and coordinated action is needed to protect both lives and livelihoods.