Chandigarh/Mohali/Panchkula: Authorities have sounded flood alerts In Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula after relentless rainfall triggered a dangerous rise in the water levels of the Ghaggar river. The situation further escalated early Friday morning when two floodgates of Sukhna Lake were opened to prevent overflow, marking the sixth such release during this monsoon season.
Ghaggar River Swells, Nine Villages on High Alert
The Ghaggar river, which originates in Himachal Pradesh and flows 165 km through Punjab, entered Mohali’s Mubarikpur village with massive force. At 8 a.m., the river’s discharge crossed 70,000 cusecs, raising alarm in the Dera Bassi subdivision of Mohali district.
Nine vulnerable villages — Tiwana, Khajoor Mandi, Sadhanpur, Sarsini, Alamgir, Dangdhera, Mubarikpur, Mirpur, and Bakarpur — have been placed on high alert. Local administration teams, including police, revenue, and drainage officials, are stationed in affected zones to monitor the situation closely.
Dera Bassi SDM Amit Kumar reassured residents that teams are on the ground, saying, “Everything is under control, but residents in low-lying areas must remain alert.” Mohali DC Komal Mittal also visited Tiwana village to assess ground conditions.
The Dehar-Alamgir-Tiwana embankment remains a major concern, as a 4,500-ft breach in 2023 had devastated agricultural fields, leaving layers of silt and sand on farmlands. Villagers fear a repeat of last year’s destruction if heavy rainfall continues.
Sukhna Lake Floodgates Opened Again
In Chandigarh, rising water levels forced officials to open two out of three floodgates of Sukhna Lake in the early hours of Friday — one at 3:30 a.m. and the other at 4 a.m. The water level had crossed the danger mark of 1,163 feet, triggering emergency measures.
The UT Engineering Department has deployed staff for round-the-clock monitoring with CCTV surveillance and a dedicated control room coordinating with Mohali and Panchkula administrations.
Panchkula Road Collapses Near Khatouli Village
In Khatouli village, Panchkula, heavy overnight rain caused the road adjoining a local bridge to collapse. Strong water currents eroded the soil beneath the road, leading to a cave-in and disrupting connectivity for villagers. Authorities have urged locals to avoid using the damaged route until it is repaired.
Warning for Residents
Residents living near riverbanks and low-lying areas in Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula have been advised to remain vigilant, avoid waterlogged areas, and follow safety advisories issued by district administrations.