Ambala (Haryana) [India], September 18 (HBTV): Following flood-like conditions caused by a cloudburst in Palasra village on Morni Hills, the water levels in the Tangri river have decreased, bringing relief to residents in Ambala Cantonment.
Ward Councillor Raman Chatwal said the water level began receding in the morning, and the situation had returned to normal. He added that fire brigade teams had been called in to clean the area.
‘About 32,000 cusecs of water entered the Tangri river yesterday. Since 5:30 am yesterday, I have been asking people here to move outside their houses because the water was coming in. Minister Anil Vij also came here, and on his instructions, SDRF teams arrived, and we secured boat facilities through which we evacuated the children. This morning, the situation is normal; the water has receded, and water tankers, phone booths, and toilets have been set up. Soon, fire brigade teams will also come to clean the area. I have also deployed 15–20 sweepers and JCBs for cleaning. Food supplies are also arriving soon,’ Chatwal said.
On Friday, Haryana Cabinet Minister Anil Vij inspected the rising water level of the Tangri river in Ambala Cantonment and directed the district administration to make announcements urging residents to move to safer locations.
The water level had crossed the danger mark on Friday morning. Taking note of the situation, Vij personally inspected the affected areas and issued necessary directions to the administration.
Speaking to the media, Vij said heavy rainfall in the hills had brought a surge of water into the Tangri river.
‘More than 30,000 cusecs of water is flowing in the river, which is far above normal levels. Before the monsoon season started, dredging work had been carried out to deepen the riverbed, but due to some obstructions, only 25 per cent of the work could be completed. The remaining work will be done after the monsoon season,’ he said.
He further expressed hope that the water would pass safely through Ambala Cantonment but added that the administration had been put on alert. Vij also confirmed that the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) had been deployed in Ambala Cantonment and boats requisitioned for any emergencies.
‘Residents living along or within the catchment area of Tangri river have been asked to move out with their essential belongings,’ he added.
In previous monsoon seasons, the Tangri river had also seen heavy water flow, which had passed through safely.
(ANI)