DW BUREAU / CHANDIGARH

Haryana Irrigation Minister Smt. Shruti Choudhry said at midnight, the water level in the Tangri River reached 9.5 feet (about 20,900 cusecs), which is above the danger mark of 7.0 feet (15,400 cusecs).

In previous years, such high water levels would submerge several colonies of Ambala Cantonment, causing losses worth crores of rupees. However, due to timely excavation work and the department's foresight, the danger was averted this time.

She said that this year, before the monsoon, the Irrigation Department began excavation work in the river, which allowed the water to flow safely and brought great relief to thousands of people. Before the rains began, the department started deepening and widening the riverbed. Although only half the work could be completed due to rainfall, the river's water-carrying capacity increased significantly. Once the monsoon ends, the work will be fully completed.

The Minister informed that on August 6 at 11:00 am, the river had 11,000 cusecs of water, which rose to 15,400 cusecs by 4:00 pm and reached 20,900 cusecs by midnight. Earlier, at such levels, areas like New Tagore Garden, New Ekta Vihar, Prabhu Prem Puram, Rampur, Sarsehri, Chandpura, and Kardhan would be flooded, but this time no such flooding occurred.

She said the department is deepening and widening the Tangri River from village Ramgarh Majra to village Bhunni, and temporary dams have been built at Sarsehri and Chandpura. These measures ensured that despite higher water levels this time, Sarsehri, Chandpura, and nearby areas remained safe.

Earlier, the gates of the Maheshnagar Pump House would close when the river water level reached just 2.5 feet, causing rainwater to accumulate in the city. This time, due to the excavation, the gates closed only at 4.5 feet, which provided major relief to the public.

Minister Shruti Choudhry assured citizens that the government and the Irrigation Department will continue to take timely measures to ensure public safety. She said the government stands with the people during any natural disaster, and there is no need for the public to worry.

She added that instructions have been issued to department officials to take all necessary steps for water drainage in flood-prone areas, and she herself has visited waterlogged zones. Continuous heavy rains for several days have caused waterlogging issues.

(editor@dailyworld.in)