Tangri River Overflows, Triggers Evacuations
Panic gripped residents of colonies along the Tangri river bed in Ambala Cantonment on Friday as the water level rose sharply and inundated low-lying areas. The seasonal river swelled due to heavy rainfall in the Shivalik region, forcing families to shift belongings to rooftops and safer spots.
Women and elderly residents sat on the road along the Tangri river bundh, guarding their possessions, while younger residents moved furniture to higher ground. The district administration alerted locals and urged them to relocate to safer areas, warning that the river could carry up to 28,000 cusecs of water.
Residents Decry Recurring Damage
Kamlesh Devi, a resident of New Lucky Nagar, said, “It is unfortunate to see our household stuff getting ruined by mud and sludge every year. Even last year, the river water left a trail of large-scale damage. The majority of the people living here are poor, and they have no other place to go.”
Residents alleged that the government had made tall claims about dredging the river and strengthening bundhs, but little had changed on the ground. Amit Kumar said, “For the last few years, during the rainy season we are forced to shift our belongings to a safer place and spend time on roads, waiting for the water to recede. The government should construct a bundh to protect the residents.”
Carpenter Protects Livelihood
Mohammed Husain, a carpenter, was seen protecting his household items near the road. “Our colony is situated on the riverbed. We have started shifting our belongings on the road, otherwise all items will be ruined by mud and sludge. We have already suffered losses over the years,” he said.
Irrigation department officials reported that water had entered streets in some low-lying areas, but it had started receding and the situation was under control. Around 17,000 cusecs was flowing in the evening, and the water was moving smoothly.
Waterlogging in Ambala City
Several localities in Ambala city also faced waterlogging due to morning rain. Residents said the municipal corporation claimed it would manage the situation, but the city witnesses waterlogging every year.
In the Naraingarh subdivision, SDM Shivjeet Bharti directed all concerned departments to remain on high alert due to rising water levels in rivers like Begna, Markanda, and Roon. He urged locals to avoid venturing near rivers, drains, and waterlogged areas, and to keep children away from these locations. The PWD was instructed to continuously monitor roads and bridges for soil erosion or damage.
