Amid rising water levels in the Yamuna River, all 18 gates of the Hathnikund Barrage in Haryana were opened on Sunday – the first time this season that such a step has been taken. The development comes as several major rivers across India, including the Ganga, are witnessing rising water levels.
Vijay Garg, Executive Engineer of the Irrigation Department, said that heavy rainfall had led to an inflow of 1.78 lakh cusecs of water into the Yamuna, marking the highest level recorded this season.
“1.78 lakh cusecs of water has entered the river after the recent rainfall. This is the highest water level of this season,” Garg stated.
Earlier, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a Tehsil-level Nowcast for Haryana and Punjab, predicting thunderstorms, lightning, and varying intensities of rainfall in several areas until noon on Sunday.
In Haryana, heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning is expected in Karnal, Indri, Thanesar, Nilokheri, Radaur, Barara, Jagadhri, and Chhachhrauli. Moderate rainfall with thunderstorms is likely in Gharaunda, Asandh, Kaithal, Narayangarh, Panchkula, Pehowa, Shahabad, Ambala, Chandigarh, Kalka, and nearby regions. Light showers are forecast for Bahadurgarh, Rohtak, Sonipat, Panipat, Jind, Kaithal, and adjoining areas.
In Punjab, moderate rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning is expected in Patiala, Rajpura, Dera Bassi, Fatehgarh Sahib, Amloh, Mohali, Bassi Pathana, Chandigarh, Kharar, Rup Nagar, Balachaur, and Anandpur Sahib. Light rain is likely in Sangrur, Malerkotla, Nabha, Khanna, Ludhiana East, Samrala, Nawanshahr, Garhshankar, Nangal, Amritsar, Batala, Ajnala, Gurdaspur, Pathankot, and Dhar Kalan.
(With inputs from ANI)