By Krishna Dua 
Ghaggar River Flood Alert: 9 Villages Under Watch in Mohali
The tricity region of Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula has been on high alert as the Ghaggar River surged past its danger mark, following a period of intense rainfall and the strategic release of water from Sukhna Lake. The torrential downpour in the river’s catchment areas, particularly in the Shivalik foothills, has caused a sudden and dramatic rise in water levels, raising serious concerns about a potential flood situation in low-lying villages. Authorities have activated emergency response protocols, with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and police on standby for potential evacuation and rescue operations.
The situation has been compounded by the decision of the Chandigarh Administration to open the floodgates of Sukhna Lake. With its water level rising rapidly due to heavy overnight rain, the lake breached its danger mark of 1,163 feet, prompting officials to release excess water to prevent an overflow in the city. While this action is a necessary measure to protect Chandigarh’s infrastructure, the resulting surge of water has flowed downstream into the Sukhna Choe, a tributary of the Ghaggar River, thereby exacerbating the already precarious situation in the adjoining areas of Mohali and Panchkula.
The Anatomy of the Ghaggar River System
To understand the current crisis, it is crucial to appreciate the nature of the Ghaggar River. Often referred to as a seasonal or intermittent river, the Ghaggar is a rain-fed river system that originates in the Shivalik Hills of Himachal Pradesh. Its course meanders through Haryana and Punjab, eventually disappearing into the Thar Desert in Rajasthan. It is a river of great historical significance, with some scholars even identifying it as the mythological Saraswati River.
However, in modern times, its character has changed. A combination of factors, including deforestation in its upper catchment area, heavy siltation, and extensive encroachment on its floodplains, has turned it into a channel that is prone to flash floods. Its tributaries, such as the Sukhna Choe, Kaushalya, and Markanda, all contribute to its flow, and when the entire catchment area receives heavy rainfall simultaneously, the river’s capacity is easily overwhelmed. The situation this year has been particularly severe, with a prolonged spell of heavy rainfall across North India, from Himachal Pradesh to Punjab, leading to a state of widespread flood-like conditions.
A Coordinated Emergency Response
In response to the escalating crisis, authorities in Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula have been working in a coordinated manner. The Mohali Deputy Commissioner, Komal Mittal, has been personally visiting vulnerable villages, including Tiwana, Khajoor Mandi, Sadhanpur, Sarsini, Alamgir, Dangdhera, Mubarikpur, Mirpur, and Bakarpur, to assess the situation and reassure residents. These villages, located in the low-lying Derabassi subdivision, are the first to bear the brunt of the Ghaggar’s fury.
The district administration has appealed to the residents to stay vigilant and avoid going near the riverbanks. Emergency contact numbers and control room details have been circulated to ensure that people can reach out for help in case of an emergency. Police and civil administration teams are monitoring the situation round the clock, particularly at key vulnerable points, to prevent any loss of life.
The government has also taken proactive steps to prepare for any eventuality. Breaches in embankments, a perennial problem during monsoon, are being monitored and repaired on a war footing. Despite a significant amount of money being allocated earlier this year for desilting and cleaning drains, the sheer volume of water and debris has caused fresh blockages, which officials are trying to clear. Furthermore, the Punjab government has taken the decision to close all schools in the state until August 30 to ensure the safety of students.
Impact on Life and Livelihoods
The impact of the rising Ghaggar is not limited to just the immediate threat of flooding. The overflow has already inundated thousands of acres of agricultural land, causing significant crop damage, a severe blow to the farming community. Villages are cut off, and in some areas, residents have had to be evacuated to safer locations. The memories of the devastating floods of 2023, when the Ghaggar caused widespread destruction, are still fresh in the minds of the villagers, and the current situation is causing considerable anxiety.
Infrastructure has also been affected. Roads have been damaged, and some causeways have been temporarily closed due to being submerged, disrupting local traffic. The force of the water has even damaged a bridge at Khatouli village near Barwala in Panchkula, highlighting the immense power of the swollen river. The situation underscores the urgent need for a more robust flood management system, including regular desilting of the riverbed and strengthening of embankments, to protect the vulnerable population and infrastructure.
The Human Element: Stories of Resilience
Amidst the chaos and uncertainty, there are stories of resilience and community spirit. In many villages, locals are working alongside government teams to reinforce embankments with sandbags and help their neighbors move to safer ground. Volunteers and various social organizations, including the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), have set up relief camps and community kitchens to provide food and shelter to the displaced.
The situation is a grim reminder of the challenges posed by climate change and the need for sustainable urban planning. The rapid and often unregulated urbanization of the tricity has led to encroachment on the river’s natural floodplains, leaving little room for the river to expand during a monsoon. This has made the region more susceptible to flooding and has intensified the impact of heavy rainfall.
A Look Ahead: Meteorological Forecasts
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall in parts of Punjab, including Pathankot, Hoshiarpur, and Rupnagar. A yellow alert has also been issued for Gurdaspur, Nawanshahr, Fatehgarh Sahib, and Patiala. The forecast indicates that monsoon activity will continue for the next few days, with rainfall expected to persist until early September. While the water level in some parts of the Ghaggar has shown signs of receding, the continuous rainfall in the upper catchment area means the threat is far from over.
The authorities are not just focusing on immediate relief but are also planning long-term measures. This includes a review of urban drainage systems, a crackdown on illegal construction in floodplains, and the implementation of a comprehensive flood management plan. The government has also assured affected residents of compensation for their losses, a crucial step to help them rebuild their lives.
Conclusion
The crisis along the Ghaggar River is a multi-faceted problem that highlights the intricate relationship between nature, infrastructure, and human activity. The current flood alert in Chandigarh, Mohali, and the surrounding villages is a clear and present danger that requires a coordinated and swift response. While the immediate focus is on ensuring the safety of the population and providing relief, the incident is a wakeup call for long-term planning and investment in flood mitigation strategies. As the monsoon continues its relentless march, the residents along the Ghaggar are bracing for the worst, but they are doing so with a sense of resilience and community spirit that will be their greatest strength in the days to come