Residents of villages and colonies along the Markanda and Tangri rivers in Ambala and Kurukshetra districts are living in constant fear of losing their homes, belongings, and crops during the monsoon season. Although water levels have begun to recede after a decline in river flow, the recent flooding has once again highlighted the vulnerability of these areas. Residents describe the recurring crisis as a source of constant anxiety and are demanding a permanent solution from the government.
Markanda River Overflows Affect Multiple Villages
On Saturday, the overflowing Markanda river caused significant problems for residents of Kathwa and Kalsana villages in the Shahabad area. According to residents of Kathwa, nearly half a dozen villages—including Kathwa, Tangore, Mughal Majra, and Kalsana—in the Shahabad Assembly constituency are affected annually when the Markanda overflows. They claim that despite repeated crop losses and hardships, the government has failed to provide a lasting solution.
The overflowing river inundated agricultural fields and submerged the main road in Kathwa village, disrupting traffic. In Kalsana village, water entered residential areas, forcing residents to take precautionary measures. Shahabad SDM Shambhu Rathee stated, “Pumps were installed to drain out the water in Kalsana village, while in Kathwa and other affected areas, the water had entered the agricultural fields. The level of water in the river has declined, and the water from the agricultural fields will also start receding. The situation is under control.”
Officials Address Flooding Causes and Concerns
Kurukshetra Deputy Commissioner Vishram Kumar Meena provided additional details about the situation in Kalsana village. He explained that pipes had been installed to drain excess water from the village pond into the river. However, because the pipes were not plugged, water entered the village through them when the river received a heavy flow. “The water is being drained out,” Meena said. He also warned that some people had tried to damage the bundhs (embankments) of the Markanda, and strict action would be taken against anyone found doing so.
Tangri River Floods Ambala Cantonment Colonies
Meanwhile, panic gripped residents of colonies along the Tangri riverbed in Ambala Cantonment on Friday after the river overflowed into low-lying areas following heavy rain in the Shivalik region. Fearing further flooding, residents shifted their household belongings to rooftops and other safer places. Kamlesh Devi, a resident of New Lucky Nagar, said, “Every year we are forced to shift our belongings to safer places during the rainy season. Even last year, the river water had left a trail of large-scale damage. The majority of the people living here are poor, and they have no other place to go.”
District Officials Monitor Situation
Ambala Deputy Commissioner Ajay Singh Tomer reported that the Tangri, Markanda, and Ghaggar rivers received water on Friday but were flowing smoothly. He stated that all officials have been directed to stay in the field, and a control room has been established to monitor the situation. Residents continue to demand a permanent solution to the recurring flooding, which they say deprives them of peace of mind every monsoon season.
