Ghaggar River: Flood in Haryana

In News: Ghaggar, Tangri, Markanda and others are considered dead rivers in the state and heavily encroached upon but in this monsoon season they reclaimed their floodplains and caused heavy losses.

About Ghaggar River:

The Ghaggar and many of its tributaries originate in the Shivalik foothills of Haryana, Punjab and Chandigarh.
Among these tributaries, the Kaushalya, Tangri, Markanda, Beghna and Sukhna rivers are the ones that merge into the Ghaggar.
The Ghaggar-Hakra River is an intermittent river in India and Pakistan that flows only during the monsoon season.
The river is known as Ghaggar in India, before the Ottu barrage, and as the Hakra in Pakistan, downstream of the barrage.
It eventually dries up in the Great Indian (Thar) Desert.

Impact of Tangri River Flooding

Tangri River breached its embankment, causing flooding in approximately 50 villages in Ambala district, Haryana.
Neglecting small rivers like Tangri and poor embankment maintenance leads to avoidable problems.

Ghaggar River and Its Tributaries

The Ghaggar River and its tributaries, including Kaushalya, Tangri, Markanda, Beghna, and Sukhna, originate in the Shivalik foothills of Haryana, Punjab, and Chandigarh.
Encroachment and reduced floodplain areas have transformed these perennial rivers into seasonal ones.

Flooding and River Erosion

Heavy monsoon rains in the Shivalik hills result in flash floods in the Ghaggar River and its catchment areas.
Floods have affected cities such as Panchkula, Derabassi, Ambala, and Shahabad, leading to infrastructure damage and displacement of people.

Encroachment and Urbanization

The Ghaggar River is heavily encroached upon as it passes through rural areas of Haryana and urban areas like Panchkula and Derabassi.
Settlements and residential colonies have encroached upon riverbanks, obstructing the natural flow of water.

Damage and Impact

The Ghaggar River has transformed into a drain due to encroachment and lack of maintenance.
Flooding and erosion have caused significant damage to villages along the Punjab-Haryana border, affecting both states.
Infrastructure, including the National Highway connecting Sangrur to Delhi, has been affected by the river’s waters.

Environmental Consequences

Unscientific and illegal mining activities have also harmed the Ghaggar River and its ecosystem.
Absence of embankment construction in recent years and unregulated mining have disrupted the natural balance of the rivers.

Urgent Need for Restoration and Management

To mitigate flooding and erosion, restoration of the rivers’ natural flow and floodplains is necessary.
Measures must be taken to address encroachment, maintain embankments, and regulate mining activities.
Stakeholders should focus on sustainable management and the preservation of the Ghaggar River basin.

FAQs Related with Ghaggar River

Ques 1:What is the Ghaggar River?

Answer: The Ghaggar River is a seasonal river in northern India, primarily flowing through the states of Haryana and Punjab.

Ques 2: Where does the Ghaggar River originate?

Answer: The Ghaggar River originates from the Shivalik Hills in Himachal Pradesh and flows through Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan.

Ques 3: What is the significance of the Ghaggar River?

Answer: The Ghaggar River holds historical and cultural significance as it is believed to have been the route of the ancient Saraswati River, mentioned in ancient Indian texts. It also plays a crucial role in supporting agricultural activities in the region.

Ghaggar River: Flood in Haryana,Ghaggar River: Flood in Haryana