Water release from Hathnikund puts Panipat, Sonepat on alert

Authorities in Panipat and Sonepat have been put on alert after the water level in the Yamuna rose following the release of over 1.16 lakh cusecs from Hathnikund Barrage in Yamunanagar on Sunday afternoon, coupled with continuous rainfall in the region.

Necessary measures in place

In view of the possibility of rising water level of Yamuna river, all necessary precautionary measures are being taken by the district administration.

— Sushil Sarwan, deputy commissioner, sonepat

Officials said the water, which takes 24-30 hours to travel downstream, is likely to hit Panipat by Monday evening. The river’s level has climbed close to the danger mark of 231.85 metres, reaching 230.50 metres by Sunday evening.

The Yamuna flows along 45 km in Panipat and 41.74 km in Sonepat, affecting several adjoining villages.

Suresh Saini, XEN of the Irrigation Department, said there was no immediate flood threat. “The situation in the district is under control. There is no flood-like situation in Yamuna as it is flowing under the danger point so far,” he said.

He said the highest discharge on record was in 2019 at 8.14 lakh cusecs. “Today only 1.16 lakh cusec water was released. Still, we are keeping a close watch. Sufficient machinery has been placed in the adjoining area of the Yamuna to deal with any situation. Apart from it, leave of all the officials has been cancelled and all staff including officers are on the field,” Saini said.

In Sonepat too, the administration has moved into alert mode. About 30 villages spread across 41.7 km of Yamuna banks are being monitored continuously.

Deputy Commissioner Sushil Sarwan confirmed that 1,16,686 cusecs had been released. “It may take around 30-40 hours to reach the district’s limit,” he said.

“In view of the possibility of rising water level of Yamuna, all necessary precautionary measures are being taken by the district administration. The administration is completely on alert mode and citizens living in low-lying areas are appealed to remain cautious and follow the guidelines given by the administration,” DC Sarwan said.

He said arrangements had been made to safeguard lives, livestock, and property, with all departments on high alert.