Tangri river threatens settlements in Ambala
Nitish Sharma
Ambala, July 4
Families living in houses built on Tangri riverbed are anxious as they fear flood-like situation whenever water starts flowing in the seasonal rivulet. They apprehend damage to their houses and losing belongings in case of flood.
Tangri is a seasonal river and it swells when there is heavy rainfall in the Shivalik region. Due to illegal constructions on the riverbed, the size of the river has diminished. As per estimate more than 1,800 families are living on the riverbed.
“On Sunday, there were announcements by the administration asking residents to remain alert as the river was swelling. I had a sleepless night yesterday as we suffered heavy losses and experienced flood-like situation a few years ago. Fortunately, the water level in the river has subsided,” said Sonia, who has a house on the riverbed.
Shyam, another local, said, “Properties and land were offered to us on this spot at cheaper rates by dealers. I was told that water doesn’t enter colonies, but I have seen people suffering losses. The situation here has improved over the last couple of years after the creek of the river was widened.”
“If river continues to flow on this level then we will not face any danger. But if more water flows into the river residents may have a harrowing time. We request the government to find some permanent solution for this problem,” he added.
Babu Sonkar, another resident said, “Poor sanitation and mosquito breeding increases problems of residents here during the rainy season. There are many empty plots where water stagnates for days’ altogether. Though we pay house tax and other bills, no attention is paid towards the sanitation in this area.”
The XEN, Irrigation Department, Krishan Kumar said, “The river swells when it rains in the Shivalik region. Illegal construction on the riverbed is an issue here. Around 10,000 cusec of water flowed into Tangri river on Sunday and passed without causing any damage. People were also alerted on time. There are predictions of rain on July 5 and 6. We hope that water will flow smoothly.”
The SDM, Ambala Cantonment, Dr Balpreet Singh said, “Pumps have been arranged for draining water from the residential areas. Teams have been constituted and a close watch is being kept so that people living in colonies where water can enter, could be intimated in advance. Dharamshalas have been identified where people will be shifted in case of any emergency.”
Land near river sold at cheap rates
Properties and land were offered to us on this spot at cheaper rates by dealers. I was told that water doesn’t enter colonies, but I have seen people suffering losses. — Shyam, local resident
