Ghaggar River Flood Risks and Management in Punjab
Recent heavy rainfall and the opening of floodgates at Sukhna Lake have caused the Ghaggar River in Punjab to cross danger levels, triggering alerts in Mohali and Patiala districts. The river’s overflow has affected several villages, though authorities report the situation is currently under control. The Ghaggar, a major rainfed river, poses recurrent flood risks in Punjab’s Malwa region due to its seasonal nature and lack of major storage infrastructure. Understanding the river’s characteristics, tributaries, and flood management challenges is essential for mitigating future disasters.
Ghaggar River
- The Ghaggar River is Punjab’s largest rainfed river.
- It originates in the Shivalik foothills near Dagshai, Himachal Pradesh, and flows through Haryana before entering Punjab near Dera Bassi.
- The river passes through key districts including Mohali, Patiala, Sangrur, and Mansa.
- It is seasonal and remains mostly dry outside the monsoon.
- Its wide catchment area in Himachal and Haryana causes sudden surges during heavy rains.
- The river eventually disappears into the Thar Desert along the ancient Hakra channel.
Flooding and Vulnerability
Known locally as Malwa’s river of sorrow, the Ghaggar causes frequent flooding during monsoon. Sudden water level rises inundate fields and villages, damaging crops and infrastructure. Floods displace thousands and disrupt livelihoods. The river’s shallow channels are overwhelmed by intense rainfall in upstream areas. Encroachments, silt buildup, and weak embankments worsen flood risks. Historical floods in 1988, 1993, 2008, 2019, and 2023 show the recurring threat to the region.
Tributaries and Hydrology
The Ghaggar receives water from several seasonal tributaries originating in the Shivalik hills. Key tributaries include Kaushalya Nadi, Tangri, Markanda, Patiala Badi Nadi, Patiala Ki Rao, Jhabo Wali Choe, and Sirhind Choe. These streams swell rapidly during heavy rains, increasing the river’s discharge and flood potential downstream. For example, the Kaushalya Nadi joins the Ghaggar near Pinjore and is controlled by the Kaushalya Dam, the basin’s only major flood-control structure.
Flood Management Challenges
Unlike perennial rivers such as the Sutlej, Ravi, and Beas, the Ghaggar lacks major dams. This absence limits flood regulation and water storage capacity. Flood control relies on smaller embankments and bundhs, which are often insufficient. Rapid water level rises demand real-time monitoring and quick response. Encroachment removal and embankment strengthening are critical for reducing flood impact. Effective management is vital to protect vulnerable communities in Punjab’s Malwa region.
| Related | |
|---|---|
