As the monsoon is expected to reach Haryana between June 25 and 30, efforts to clean flood-prone drains in Sirsa and Fatehabad have gathered pace. The Irrigation Department claims substantial progress in desilting and clearing major drains, but farmers remain concerned about whether the remaining work will be completed before the arrival of heavy rains.
Urgency After 2023 Floods
The urgency stems from the devastating floods of 2023, when overflowing drains and intense rainfall inundated lakhs of acres of agricultural land across the two districts. Several villages and dhanis were submerged, livestock stranded, and hundreds of families forced to move to safer locations.
Farmer Pressure Accelerates Work
Pressure on the authorities intensified after a Kisan-Mazdoor Mahapanchayat held at Ottu Head on June 3. Farmers warned that if drain-cleaning work was not completed by June 20, they would gherao the residence of the Irrigation Minister in Bhiwani on June 25. Following the warning, the department accelerated its operations.
Progress in Cleaning Drains
Officials say that in Fatehabad, nearly 70-80% cleaning of major drains, including the Rangoi and Hisar-Ghaggar drains, has been completed. In Sirsa, around 52% of the Hisar-Ghaggar drain has been cleaned, while desilting of the Rangoi drain is close to 80% complete.
Vulnerable Areas Remain
Several areas continue to remain vulnerable to waterlogging. In Fatehabad, villages such as Sehnal, Aharwan, Ayalki and Gadli are considered particularly sensitive. In Sirsa, the risk is greater because the Ghaggar passes through a longer stretch of the district, affecting villages in Sirsa, Rania and parts of Dabwali during periods of heavy rainfall.
Political Voices and Official Assurance
Rania MLA Arjun Chautala said residents live under the threat of floods every year, while Dabwali MLA Aditya Chautala said monsoon preparations should be completed well in advance. Executive Engineer Sandeep Mathur said the work would be completed soon.
