A week after flooding begins, Patiala admin issues high alert in over 2 dozen villages along Ghaggar, Tangri rivers

However, villagers pointed out that they have been experiencing flooding since August 28. Large stretches of farmland remain submerged, while water flows swiftly on potholed link roads. In Lachhru Khurd, the ground opposite the Government Primary School has been under nearly four feet of water for the past two days. “Potholes have formed due to the continuous flow of water on the link roads,” said Darshan Singh of Chamaru village, standing next to his five-acre field, which is now under water.

Farmers also highlighted the fragile state of embankments. Gurmeet Singh of Mahidudan village said, “In 2023, a breach had occurred in the Ghaggar embankment near our village and was only temporarily repaired. Water is leaking from the same point again, and the result is right before you.”

The Ghaggar River, flowing near Lachhru Khurd, is choked with weeds, raising fears of further flooding if water levels rise. Gurdev Singh, 70, of Ramsar village, was forced to turn back when his two-wheeler got stuck in a pothole that was not visible due to the floodwaters. “It is not that we are not worried, but no one listens to us. Every year is another year of flood,” he said.

Villagers said that while houses are largely safe for now, crop damage is extensive and rural roads have been battered.

The Ghaggar has already surpassed the danger mark of 748 feet at Khanauri and is running at the danger mark in Patiala’s Ghanaur area. Overgrown with weeds at several points, the river remains a looming threat across Punjab and Haryana, flooding villages in districts like Patiala, Sangrur, Mansa, Ambala, Kaithal, and Kurukshetra year after year before disappearing into the Thar desert.

Villagers said that while houses are largely safe for now, crop damage is extensive and rural roads have been battered. “That is why the administration did not bother to issue alerts earlier. They only wake up when things get out of control,” said Harmesh Singh of Lachhru Khurd.

Fresh warning for Devi Garh villages

The Patiala administration on Wednesday noon issued a fresh urgent warning due to the rising water level in the Tangri River, a tributary of the Ghaggar. With heavy rainfall in Ambala and Kala Amb, the Tangri has reached close to the danger mark in Ambala and is expected to swell further at Devi Garh in Patiala district within the next 10–12 hours.

Villages likely to be affected on the right side of the Tangri include Mahmoodpur Rurki, Devnagar, Harigarh, Rohar Jagir, Lehilan Jagir, Dudhan Gujaran, Adaltivala, and Maghar Sahib, as per the administration. On the left side, the list includes Mohlgarh, Khansa, Rattakheda, Ojan, Khatauli, Ganeshpur, Kharabgarh, Bibipur, Jodhpur, Budhmor, and Sadiqpur Beedan.

Residents have been asked to remain alert, avoid going near the river, and follow all official instructions. Relief camps have been set up, and the Patiala District Administration Control Room numbers 0175-2350550 and 2358550 have been activated.

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