Haryana's Ghaggar River Swells: Sirsa Villages Brace for Imminent Flood Threat

A palpable sense of anxiety has gripped the residents of Sirsa district in Haryana as the Ghaggar River continues its relentless surge, threatening to engulf several low-lying villages. With water levels rising ominously, the district administration has sounded a high alert, recalling the devastating floods of the past and urging maximum preparedness.

The river, already swollen by heavy rainfall upstream in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, has reached critical levels, with its current flow now touching the underside of the Maujdin bridge.

This alarming development has put villages like Maujdin, Nathusari Chopta, and Sahuwala directly in the line of potential inundation. Local communities, who vividly remember the havoc wreaked by the 2010 floods, are watching the situation unfold with bated breath.

District Collector Parth Gupta is at the forefront of the emergency response, personally overseeing the monitoring efforts.

Officials are maintaining a round-the-clock vigil, assessing the rapidly evolving situation, and coordinating resources to mitigate any potential disaster. The administration's immediate focus is on strengthening vulnerable river embankments, a crucial defense against the powerful currents.

Concerns are mounting not just locally but also due to the upstream conditions.

Reports from Patiala, Punjab, indicate significantly high water levels in the Ghaggar, which directly impacts the volume of water flowing into Haryana. This continuous inflow poses a substantial challenge, straining the existing flood control infrastructure.

Drawing lessons from the catastrophic 2010 floods, when breaches in the Ghaggar’s embankments led to widespread destruction and displacement, authorities are leaving no stone unturned.

Earth-moving machinery, including JCBs, along with vast quantities of sandbags, have been strategically positioned at sensitive points along the river. These resources are ready for immediate deployment to reinforce weakened sections or to address any emergent breaches.

The district administration has also issued an urgent appeal to the public, emphasizing the importance of cooperation and vigilance.

Residents in at-risk areas are being advised to stay informed, adhere to official advisories, and be prepared for possible evacuation. The collective effort of the community, coupled with the proactive measures by the authorities, is seen as vital in navigating this challenging period. As the Ghaggar continues to swell, the resolve of Sirsa's residents and the efficiency of its administration will be tested in the coming days.