Ambala district in Haryana, India, is grappling with severe flooding after experiencing relentless rainfall for two consecutive days. The downpour has resulted in canals and rivers overflowing, causing significant difficulties for the local population. Despite the rain ceasing, the high water inflow continues to pose challenges for the district.
Efforts to mend the breaches in the Narwana Branch, Satluj Yamuna Link canals, and Ghaggar river have been unsuccessful due to the heavy water flow. The Army, in collaboration with the irrigation and water resources department, is tirelessly working to address the breaches. Meanwhile, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed to rescue stranded individuals in flooded villages.
Tragically, Ambala district has reported two casualties as a result of the flooding. Sanju, from Binjalpur village, was swept away by the strong water current on the Alipur village road and drowned. Search teams were able to recover his body, which was subsequently subjected to a post-mortem examination. Additionally, Anita Jain, aged 64, lost her life when floodwater inundated her locality in the Arjun Nagar area of Mahesh Nagar.
To ensure public safety, the district administration made the decision to close NH-44 and NH-152, the main national highways connecting the area, for more than 24 hours. However, heavy vehicle and SUV traffic have been restored on the Chandigarh-Ambala highway via Derabassi, while light vehicles have been advised to seek alternative routes. Vehicular movement from Punjab to Delhi on NH-44 has also resumed. NH-152, however, remains closed due to waterlogging.
While the water level in the Ghaggar river has started to recede, the Markanda and Tangri rivers continue to flow at their full capacity, posing a potential risk for further flooding. The water level in the Narwana Branch remains alarmingly high as well.
Haryana’s Home and Health Minister, Anil Vij, actively engaged in assessing the situation. He took a boat tour of Ambala Cantonment streets to gauge the ground conditions and instructed officials to distribute food and water to affected individuals. Minister Vij inspected various waterlogged colonies, including Defence Colony, Boh Paras Nagar, Babyal, Rampur, Sarasheri, Chandpura, Khojkipur, Kardhan, Brahman Majra, and 12 Cross Road.
During his visit, Minister Vij encountered a malfunctioning motor at a pump house in Mahesh Nagar due to water ingress. Expressing his dissatisfaction, he reprimanded the irrigation department’s executive engineer and urged him to find alternative arrangements to pump water out of residential areas. Only after three pumps were operational and water started being pumped into the Tangri river did Minister Vij leave the site.
The deputy commissioners of Ambala and Kurukshetra, Shaleen and Shantanu Sharma respectively, were also present to assess the situation and offer support.
As the district continues to grapple with the aftermath of the flooding, the authorities are working diligently to restore normalcy and provide relief to affected residents. The focus remains on addressing breaches in canals and rivers, evacuating stranded individuals, and ensuring the safety and well-being of the population.
The situation in Ambala district serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding can have on communities. Efforts to mitigate the damages and aid those affected will be crucial in the days to come.
