Haryana Punjab Delhi Weather News

Yamuna River Water Levels and Hathnikund Barrage

Decline in Water Levels

The water level at the Hathnikund Barrage on the Yamuna River has significantly decreased to 53,011 cusecs, bringing relief to the adjoining areas of Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh. On Sunday, the water level had peaked at 1,78,996 cusecs, raising concerns about flooding and prompting authorities to advise residents in low-lying areas to evacuate. The reduction in water levels has alleviated immediate flood risks in these regions.

Impact of Heavy Rainfall

Continuous rainfall in northern areas, particularly in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, had caused the Yamuna River’s water level to surge, reaching 1.78 lakh cusecs at Hathnikund Barrage. The Irrigation and Water Resources Department (IWRD) declared this a medium flood situation, as per official categorization where 70,000 to 1.5 lakh cusecs is considered a low flood, 1.5 to 2.5 lakh cusecs a medium flood, and above 2.5 lakh cusecs a high flood. All 18 gates of the Hathnikund Barrage were opened to manage the high water flow, which was the highest recorded this monsoon season. The rising water levels had initially threatened flooding in districts such as Yamunanagar, Karnal, Panipat, and Sonipat.

Resumption of Canal Water Supply

Following the decline in water levels, water supply to the Eastern Canal in Uttar Pradesh and the Western Canal in Haryana, which had been halted due to flooding, has resumed. This restoration is critical for irrigation and water management in the affected regions.

Somb River and Flood Warnings

Overflow and Subsequent Decline

The Somb River, a tributary of the Yamuna, also experienced a surge, with water levels exceeding 24,000 cusecs, surpassing its danger mark of 10,000 cusecs. This led to waterlogging in surrounding villages. However, the water level has since decreased, reducing immediate concerns. The Central Water Commission (CWC) had issued prior alerts, warning that water from the Hathnikund Barrage could take 48 hours to reach Delhi, potentially exacerbating flood risks in the capital.

Bhakra Dam and Flood Management in Punjab

Opening of Floodgates

In response to heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) opened the floodgates of the Bhakra Dam for the first time in two years. The dam’s water level reached 1,665.37 feet on Tuesday afternoon, just 15.45 feet below its maximum capacity of 1,680.82 feet—35 feet higher than the previous year. To manage the rising water levels and prepare for anticipated heavy rainfall from August 23 to 25, 45,000 cusecs of water were released into the Sutlej River, with 38,000 cusecs through turbines and 7,000 cusecs via the spillway.

Controlled Water Release Strategy

The decision to release water was made in consultation with technical committees from Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Himachal Pradesh. To prevent sudden flooding downstream, the water release was staggered: one foot in the first hour, two feet in the second, and three feet thereafter. Flood warnings have been issued for Rupnagar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, and Tarn Taran districts, with authorities emphasizing controlled and phased water release to ensure safety.

Markanda River and Flooding in Kurukshetra

Dam Breach and Crop Damage

In Kurukshetra, a breach in the Markanda River’s embankment, triggered by heavy rainfall in hilly areas, led to severe flooding. The river’s water level exceeded 26,000 cusecs, causing the dam to break and floodwaters to inundate fields in villages such as Kathua, Tangaur, Nansi, Jalbeda, Shergarh, and Tabra. Thousands of acres of crops were destroyed, and main roads connecting villages to the city were closed, forcing residents to use tractors to cross flooded areas—a risky endeavor. The situation has become critical, with villagers attempting to repair the embankment themselves due to the absence of immediate administrative relief.

Community Frustrations

Local residents have expressed frustration, alleging that annual flooding results from inadequate embankment maintenance, which they claim is addressed only superficially. Despite repeated complaints to the administration, no lasting solutions have been implemented, leaving farmers to face recurring crop losses and mounting debts.

Regional Impact and Relief Efforts

Widespread Flood Concerns

The heavy rainfall and subsequent rise in river levels across Haryana, Punjab, and Delhi have caused significant disruptions. The flooding of various rivers and streams led to waterlogging in villages, threatening both agricultural lands and residential areas. The coordinated efforts of the IWRD, CWC, and BBMB have been critical in managing water levels and mitigating flood risks.

Administrative Response

Authorities have been proactive in issuing flood warnings and managing water releases to prevent catastrophic flooding. The resumption of canal water supply and controlled dam releases reflect efforts to balance flood prevention with water resource management. However, the lack of timely administrative response in Kurukshetra highlights ongoing challenges in addressing recurring flood issues effectively.

Conclusion

While the decline in the Yamuna River’s water level at Hathnikund Barrage has provided temporary relief to Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh, the region remains vulnerable to flooding due to ongoing monsoon activity. The breach in the Markanda River’s embankment and the opening of Bhakra Dam’s floodgates underscore the challenges of managing heavy rainfall and rising river levels. Authorities must continue to monitor the situation closely, especially with more heavy rain forecasted, and address community concerns about infrastructure maintenance to prevent future losses.

Panchayat Mausam Sewa

Krishi Khabar Sewa

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