Rising water level in Hisar-Ghaggar drain poses flood threat to Sirsa villages

A potential flood threat looms large over several villages in Sirsa district as water leakage began in the Hisar-Ghaggar Multipurpose Drain (commonly known as Semnala) between Darba Kalan and Nathusari Chopta, near Sirsa-Bhadra Road. Though villagers, MGNREGA workers and officials have filled the cracks, rising water level continues to pose a risk of embankment collapse.

Villages, including Shakkar Mandori, Shahpuria, Tarkanwali, and Darba Kalan, are on high alert due to possibility of fields getting submerged. Women from local communities have joined efforts to strengthen the embankments.

Many residents believe that timely cleaning of the drain could have prevented this situation, as accumulated waste has blocked the water flow, which villagers are now clearing manually.

Locals like Sharwan Kumar Jakhar, Mahendra Singh and Jagdish Khilairi said with increasing rainfall, the water pressure was growing, keeping the area under constant threat of floods.

Notably, four years ago, the Semnala embankment near Darba Kalan collapsed, causing devastating flooding in the district. A 20-foot-wide breach submerged hundreds of acres of guar, millet, cotton and other crops. Around 35,000 acres of Kharif crops were destroyed, and water entered homes and streets in several villages. The Sirsa-Bhadra road had to be closed. At least 20 nearby villages suffered severe losses.

Meanwhile, Dabwali SDM Arpit Singhal inspected flood-prone areas, including Rattakhera Kharif Channel, Rajpura village, Dabwali Rajwaha and Masitan. He instructed officials to ensure that no flood-like situation arises during the rainy season that could affect residents and farmers. The Rattakhera channel and Masitan Rajwaha, both previously damaged by rain, have been repaired.

During his visit to Sukhra Khera village, the SDM noted waterlogging in several streets and directed officials to resolve the issue promptly. He emphasised round the clock monitoring of flood channels and canals, especially vulnerable embankments, to prevent breaches and waterlogging in fields. Sub-Divisional Engineer Jagmohan from Kalanwali and other officials accompanied him during inspections.

Haryana Tribune