Flood alert issued for villages near Ghaggar in Patran as rivers cross danger marks and over 5000 acres submerged

PATIALA: The district administration in Patiala has issued a flood alert for several villages near the Ghaggar river in Patran following continuous heavy rainfall. Rising water levels in the rivers and all gauges at Badshahpur reaching the danger mark have led to water accumulation upstream in Harchandpura and Badshahpur. Residents of Harchandpura, Badshahpur, Arnetu, Rasoli, Shutrana, Jogeval, Gulahad, Paind, Sadharanpur, Siuna, and adjoining villages have been advised to remain vigilant. Authorities have urged villagers to immediately vacate their homes and move to safer locations. According to the 10am flood control report on Thursday, the Ghaggar River at Bhankarpur recorded a 2.5 feet gauge level against the 10 ft danger mark and discharge was 5898 cusecs, whereas at Sarala Kalan, the Ghaggar level stood at 17 feet against the 16 feet danger mark and discharge was 30888 cusecs against the danger mark of 27195.94 cusecs. The Tangri River at RD 13500 reported a 14.2 gauge level against the 12 feet danger mark and 44004 cusecs discharge, close to its danger mark of 31059 cusecs. Similarly, the Markanda River at RD 7000 touched a 21.5 ft gauge level against the 22 ft danger mark and discharge stood at 44948 cusecs, crossing the threshold of 43871 cusecs. The Khanauri Syphon also recorded a 749 gauge level against 748.0 (25) ft danger mark, and 13000 cusecs discharge, exceeding its danger level of 13000 cusecs. Yesterday, the residents of 21 villages along the Ghaggar were advised to move to safer locations as a precautionary measure. In several villages, the water had entered into the agricultural fields including Kami Khurd village, Chamaru, Untsar, Sanjarpur, and Lachru villages, whereas in Kami Khurd, the water entered into the houses in low-lying areas. The administration has assured that relief teams are on the ground to provide assistance, and relief centres have been established for affected residents. People are requested to cooperate fully and follow only official advisories for their safety. In case of emergencies, residents may contact the Patran control room at 01764-243403 or the Patiala district control room at 0175-2350550, 2358550. Meanwhile, more than 5000 acres of agricultural fields have been submerged under flood water in Patiala district; however, the assessment of the area under losses was yet to be carried out by officials of the agriculture department. Chief Agriculture Officer Patiala, Jaswinder SIngh said, "The crops in over 5000 acres have been submerged under water, especially in the areas of Ghanaur, Samana and Patran in the district. The assessment of losses is yet to be made. The crops can witness damage in case the water in the fields remains stagnant for around one week."