Over 8.89% of Haryana’s geographical area affected with twin problem of water-logging, salinity: Govt

Abhay had asked Agriculture minister JP Dalal about areas that were affected with the problem of ‘Sem’ in Haryana, district-wise details and steps taken by the government to solve the problem.

Dalal, in his reply, stated, “According to data provided by the Ground Water Cell in 2020, 0.8 lakh acres is affected with the twin problem of waterlogging and salinity in Haryana, of which 1.7 lakh acres is under critical condition.”

The minister added that the problem of waterlogging can be tackled through sub-surface drainage (SSD), vertical drainage, bio-drainage and aquaculture depending upon the nature and extent of the problem and the affected area can be reclaimed within 3-4 years. “Most affected areas are in Rohtak (61.47%), Jhajjar (40.77%), Sonipat (32.95%), Bhiwani (13.19%). Hisar (7.13%), Jind (9.27%), Charkhi Dadri (9.56%), Fatehabad (1.81%), Ambala (3.96%).,” the minister said, adding that the ground situation fluctuates depending on rainfall and cropping pattern.

Elaborating on the steps taken by the state government to ease the situation, the minister added that CM’s directions to reclaim water logged and saline land has already been taken up from 2021-22 onwards. “A web portal was developed for farmers to reclaim their waterlogged and saline soils and 4,355 farmers have so far shown interest in reclaiming 25,426 acres on the portal. A Detailed Project Report is also being prepared by Central Soil Salinity Research Institute (CSSRI), Karnal. The reclamation work of waterlogged & saline soils was started in 1996 in Haryana, under which, only 28,100 acres was reclaimed in 24 years,” he said, adding that a target to reclaim 25000 acres had been fixed for this year, of which 20,839 acres has already been reclaimed through Sub Surface & Vertical Drainage technology and remaining is in progress.