Karnal: Work on flood prevention delayed again

Parveen Arora

Karnal, July 9

Even though the extended deadline to complete flood prevention works on the Yamuna has elapsed, a lot of work is pending, brewing resentment and the fear of flood among residents of nearly 35 villages along the river.

The Irrigation Department had floated tenders in March to complete various projects, including strengthening and repair of eight complexes — Kalsora, Dhakwala, Nabiabad, Jarauli, Khirajpur, Kundakalan, Lalupura, and Sadarpur.

The projects were to be completed by June 30, but the department has failed to complete them, after which a new deadline was fixed for July 7. However, the authorities claimed, delays in delivery of stones, re-tendering of projects, and delays in permission due to the model code of conduct hindered the progress.

Executive Engineer Manoj Kumar said work had been completed at Kundakala, Dhakwala, and Jarauli complexes, while work on the remaining projects was going on in full swing. Despite the delays, he was hopeful that the work would be completed soon.

The residents have accused officials of failing to take proactive measures and ignoring past lessons. Ramesh, a local, said there must be a permanent solution to tackle floods which destroy crops and affect livelihood every year.

Youth Congress state president Divyanshu Budhiraja said monsoon had arrived in the state, but the government had failed to complete the arrangements to prevent floods. After water was released from the Hathnikund barrage into the Yamuna, the level in the river had increased significantly.