Yamuna water level rises, 35 Karnal villages on alert

The Yamuna has swelled following heavy rainfall in the hilly regions, with nearly 60,000 cusecs of water currently flowing downstream. Irrigation Department officials said the discharge is fluctuating every hour, prompting authorities to step up precautionary measures.

Field staff have been directed to stay alert, while senior officials are monitoring the situation closely. The Revenue Department has also sounded an alarm in about 35 villages located along the river, cautioning residents to remain vigilant.

“Field staff members, including SDOs, JEs and others, have been directed to remain alert with resources at the site round the clock. We are in touch with the residents living in the nearby villages. They have been asked to stay cautious and ignore rumours,” said Sanjay Rahar, Superintending Engineer (SE).

He said there was no immediate danger but precautionary steps were being taken. “At present there is no worry as the situation is under control, but we do not want to take any risk, so villagers have been advised to remain alert,” he said.

The SE further said around 1.28 lakh cusecs of water had been released from Hathnikund Barrage, which is expected to reach Karnal by Monday morning.

XEN Manoj Kumar said embankments were being reinforced to withstand any rise in water levels. “Our team members are working at Jadoli and Modipur complexes to strengthen the edge and embankment. Heavy machinery has also been deployed for any emergency,” he said.

Officials recalled that in July 2023, the Yamuna had released nearly 3.60 lakh cusecs, breaching embankments at Garhpur Tapu and Musepur. The resulting floods had devastated several villages, including Chaugaon, Nabiabad, Chandraon, Japti Chapra, Nangal, Kalsora and Labkari, causing widespread crop losses and damage to houses.

As per official classification, water levels between 75,000 and 1.25 lakh cusecs fall under the low flood category, 1.25 lakh to 2.5 lakh cusecs under medium flood, and above 2.5 lakh cusecs are considered high flood.

Deputy Commissioner Uttam Singh assured residents that all arrangements were in place. “All departments concerned had been directed to remain vigilant. We are keeping a close watch on the Yamuna water level. All arrangements have been made and officials are working round the clock to ensure people’s safety,” he said.