Authorities on High Alert to Tackle Waterlogging in Kaithal

District administration works round the clock; farmers urged to report crop loss on e-compensation portal

Kaithal/ Guhla-Cheeka, September 8: The district administration is on high alert to tackle the challenges posed by rising water levels in the Ghaggar River, which has led to waterlogging in several villages. Under the directions of Deputy Commissioner (DC) Preeti, administrative teams are working at the ground level to provide relief and assistance to the affected residents.

Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Captain Pramesh Singh, who inspected villages including Sarola, Daba, Chaba, Rattakheda Lukman, Khambheda, and Kundiwala Bandh, assured farmers that the administration is fully committed to ensuring that no citizen faces hardship during this crisis. He noted that the water level of the Ghaggar is being closely monitored, with 24.6 feet recorded on Monday at a flow of 53,695 cusecs.

“Relief teams are actively engaged in providing basic facilities to villagers. Reports indicate that water levels in the Tangri and Markanda rivers are gradually receding, which gives hope that the situation in Guhla-Cheeka will soon improve,” Singh said.

Multi-Departmental Efforts in Full Swing

Officers from multiple departments are working in coordination to prevent flooding from worsening and to ensure public safety. Revenue officials are inspecting waterlogged fields daily, while the Panchayat Department remains in constant touch with village heads. The Irrigation Department has deployed heavy machinery like Poklanes and JCBs to strengthen embankments, with more than 200 laborers on site.

The Public Health Department is collecting and testing drinking water samples to prevent contamination, while repairing leakages. The Animal Husbandry Department has stationed mobile veterinary vans and organized medical camps for livestock. The Health Department is conducting door-to-door surveys, distributing ORS packets, and running medical camps in villages. Continuous electricity supply is being maintained by the Power Department, and police teams are patrolling sensitive areas to prevent untoward incidents.

Flood Warning Station Working Round-the-Clock

The police department has set up a flood warning station near Tatiana Gage on Kaithal-Patiala Road, which is operating 24/7. Head Constables Vijay Singh and Kulvinder Singh have been assigned duty in shifts to provide hourly reports to senior officers. DSP Kuldeep Beniwal informed that 70 personnel have been deployed for security under the leadership of Inspectors Rajpal and Sahil. Police have also cautioned the public against spreading rumors on social media, warning of strict action against violators.

Drinking Water Supply Under Control

According to Executive Engineer Vikas Balian, control rooms have been established in Rattakheda Lukman, Tatiana, Baupur, and Rattakheda Kadam villages. Each control room, with 10-member teams, is ensuring uninterrupted drinking water supply to 6–8 flood-prone villages. Fifteen tube wells have been elevated for safety, while additional tanker-filling stations have been set up in Baupur, Rattakheda Kadam, Kasoli, and Bhunsla.

Veterinary and Health Camps Organized

Dr. Surya Khatkar, Deputy Director of Animal Husbandry, said the department has organized 19 medical camps, treating more than 2,628 animals. Civil Surgeon Dr. Renu Chawla informed that 24-hour ambulance services have been deployed in Guhla area and that surveys are being conducted to prevent waterborne diseases.

Roads Surveyed, Reports Sent to Headquarters

Public Works Department Executive Engineer Varun Kansal confirmed that several roads, including those connecting Bhagal to Budhanpur, Siwali, Paprala, Bubakpur, and Ajitnagar, are submerged. Detailed reports have been sent to headquarters, and repair work will begin once water recedes. Patchwork is being carried out on damaged stretches, while blocked culverts are being reopened to allow water discharge.

Agriculture Department Advises Farmers

Agriculture SDO Kanchan Sharma advised villagers to avoid sensitive areas with heavy water flow and maintain distance from electricity poles and bridges. She confirmed that standing crops in several villages have been damaged by waterlogging. Farmers have been urged to apply for compensation through the government’s e-compensation portal.

E-Compensation Portal Open Till September 15

Naib Tehsildar Bansi Lal said that the Revenue Department has identified 39 affected villages in Guhla-Cheeka, where farmers can apply for compensation for crop loss. DC Preeti emphasized that the Haryana Government has opened the e-compensation portal till September 15 for farmers to report crop damage caused by waterlogging.

“Farmers can upload details themselves or through CSC centers. Reports will be physically verified by revenue officials before compensation is finalized. Nearly 6,000 acres of farmland in 39 villages are reported to be affected by waterlogging,” DC Preeti said.