GHAGGAR

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Context

The challenges faced by the Ghaggar River and its tributaries.

Details

• The Ghaggar River and its tributaries, including Tangri and Markanda rivers, have faced significant flooding issues in Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan.
• Encroachment and lack of maintenance of river embankments contribute to the severity of the problem.

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.

https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/natural-disasters/a-dead-ghaggar-and-its-tributaries-wrought-havoc-in-haryana-early-july-here-is-how-90671