Is Water Gradually Receding? 3,000 Villages Impacted by Flooding: Haryana CM
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Chandigarh, Sep 6 (NationPress) Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced on Saturday that water levels are slowly decreasing in the inundated regions, with approximately 3,000 villages in the state suffering from excessive water influx originating from the hills.
In an effort to address crop and other losses in these affected villages, the state government has launched the e-Kshatipurti portal, which has seen 169,738 farmers submit claims for damage affecting 9,96,701 acres of farmland thus far.
The Chief Minister engaged with local representatives from the waterlogged villages in Shahabad, gathering vital information about the ongoing situation and the extent of losses in each area.
Following his discussions, the Chief Minister offered prayers at the Markandeshwar Temple and spoke with residents displaced from the flooded regions, attentively listening to their concerns and assuring them that the state government is committed to providing comprehensive support.
In a media briefing, the Chief Minister elaborated that the recent heavy rainfall in the hilly regions has led to significant water flow into the villages, resulting in extensive waterlogging.
“Residents whose homes were submerged have been relocated to safety. We have made provisions for their accommodation, food, drinking water, and other essential needs. Additionally, we are arranging fodder for livestock,” he stated.
He noted that a similar scenario had occurred in the state in 2023, emphasizing that officials are actively working to manage the situation. The government has opened the e-Kshatipurti portal to allow citizens to report their losses.
When asked about future preventative measures, CM Saini mentioned that routine maintenance of canals and drains is conducted, but this instance of excessive water flow from the hills has led to the current predicament.
“It is regrettable that the Opposition is attempting to politicize this disaster. In such challenging times, the Opposition should focus on providing constructive suggestions and collaborating with the government,” he remarked.
He also called upon the public to assist those affected in the inundated areas. Responding to another question, the Chief Minister explained that the Markanda canal has a capacity of 25,000 cusecs of water, yet approximately 40,000 cusecs have surged through, leading to overflow into fields and adjacent areas.
Additionally, the Chief Minister revealed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and J.P. Nadda, the party’s national President and Union Health Minister, are closely monitoring the flood-like conditions caused by severe rainfall in northern India.
The Centre has issued specific directives concerning Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir.
Aid is being dispatched from various districts in Haryana to support different regions in Punjab, providing food, drinking water, and animal fodder.