Haryana Chief Minister Manohar lal Khattar on Sunday held an emergency meeting with senior officials to review situation in various districts following rise in water level in Yamuna river after heavy rains.
The Chief Minister also conducted an aerial survey of the Hathnikund barrage located on Yamuna river.
He directed the officers to stay alert to deal with any untoward situation in the districts through which the river flows. Manohar lal also sought information on the water level from the Deputy Commissioners of Yamunanagar, Karnal, Panipat, Sonipat and Palwal and other officers through video-conferencing, and reviewed the arrangements made by them.
During the meeting, it was informed that 6,05,949 cusecs of water was flowing from the Hathnikund barrage till 6 pm on Saturday. Earlier in 2010, 8.05 lakh cusecs of water was passing through this barrage, and in 2013, 7.5 lakh cusecs was passed.
It was also informed that the 6,05,949 cusecs of water flowing from the barrage is passing through Karnal and would reach Delhi by Monday. It is gathered that water is flowing at a speed of four kilometers per hour. Canals in Haryana are closed when the water level crosses 70,000 cusecs at Hathnikund Barrage, and the water is passing through 18 doors.
Karnal Deputy Commissioner informed the Chief Minister that about six lakh cusecs of water was passing from Hathnikund Barrage on Saturday evening, and its effect could be seen later during the day. The officers said the water level was gradually decreasing.
The Yamuna waters have entered some villages, but it has not affected the people. An SDO and three JEs have been deputed at every 20 kilometers in Karnal, and JCB machines, pokeland machines, and 20,000 sand bags have been kept ready to deal with any untoward situation. Arrangements have also been made for evacuating people to safer places as the situation demands, the officers added.
The officers of Yamunanagar district administration informed the Chief Minister that 1.18 lakh cusecs of water was flowing in Yamuna river. Medical teams have been arranged and officers of the Animal Husbandry Department have been alerted to deal with the flood-like situation.
At the meeting, the officers of Panipat district said Yamuna river passed through 14 villages of the district. Two JCBs and 20,000 bags have been kept ready to deal with any emergency situation. Also, Army has visited and checked the areas adjoining Yamuna river.
Manohar lal directed the officers that administration in the vulnerable districts should remain ready to deal with diseases which may break out after the water level of Yamuna receded. The officers should ensure that fogging is done in the affected areas from time to time, he added.
Sonipat district administration informed that the water of Yamuna was flowing one kilometer away from village Asadpur where officers of the Irrigation Department have been deputed. An SDM level officer has been made in-charge to keep a check on the situation.
The Chief Minister was apprized by Palwal district administration that the Yamuna flows for about 48 kilometers in the district. All arrangements, including food items and medical teams, have been made.
Those present at the meeting included the Chief Secretary DS Dhesi and other senior officers of the State Government.