Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini Directs Pre-Monsoon Drain and Canal Cleaning Across State
In a proactive move to mitigate monsoon-related flooding and waterlogging, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Friday issued directives for the thorough cleaning of all drains, canals, and water channels across the state before the onset of the rainy season. Chairing a high-level review meeting in Chandigarh with officers from the irrigation, public health, and local bodies departments, Saini emphasized the urgency of these preparations to safeguard both urban and rural areas.
Comprehensive Flood Protection and Drainage Initiatives
The Chief Minister stressed the construction of strong berms along drains and canals, particularly in densely populated regions, to prevent overflow and ensure structural integrity. He mandated regular monitoring of these works to eliminate any negligence. Saini highlighted the growing urban populations as a key factor obstructing natural water flow, leading to increased waterlogging risks. To address this, he ordered the preparation of proposals for new drainage systems in inhabited areas, including a specific project for a drainage system extending to the Rajasthan border in Fatehabad. This initiative aims to facilitate rainwater disposal and enable farmers to utilize the water for irrigation purposes, promoting agricultural sustainability.
Focus on River Management and Environmental Sustainability
Saini directed special attention to the cleaning of major rivers such as the Ghaggar, Markanda, and Tangri, along with the reinforcement of their embankments. He also called for the straightening of the Saraswati river flow near Cheeka in Kurukshetra to improve water management. Additionally, a proposal for industrial water drainage in Bawal is to be developed to address pollution and drainage challenges. Emphasizing environmental sustainability, the CM advocated for tree planting along embankments to create green, eco-friendly barriers that enhance resilience against floods.
Progress Updates and Infrastructure Readiness
Officials reported significant progress in the state's flood preparedness efforts. Out of 825 identified drain and channel works, 713 have been completed, with the remaining slated for completion by June. For short-term flood protection, 250 out of 425 works have had tenders finalized, and the rest are expected to be completed by the end of the month. The state has also mobilized a robust pumping infrastructure, including 839 diesel pumps with a capacity of 1,678 cusecs, 1,389 electric pumps with 4,466 cusecs, and 495 mobile pumps with 3,465 cusecs, totaling 2,723 pumps capable of handling 9,609 cusecs across Haryana.
Urban and Public Health Department Efforts
In urban areas, 87 local bodies have undertaken the cleaning of 2,382 drains spanning 2,655 kilometers. So far, 1,116 kilometers have been cleaned, with the remaining work targeted for completion by June. Similarly, the public health department is on track to finish cleaning 100 kilometers of drains across 85 cities by the end of May, ensuring comprehensive coverage to prevent waterlogging and health hazards during the monsoon season.
