To prevent the recurring devastation caused by monsoon overflows, the Haryana Government today gave the official green light to eight major flood control projects specifically designed for the management of the Markanda River.
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The Decision: The approval was granted during a high-level meeting of the State Flood Control Board. The projects aim to reinforce the riverbanks and streamline the water flow through the flood-prone districts of Ambala and Kurukshetra, which witnessed significant damage during previous heavy rainfall seasons.
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Key Components of the 8 Projects:
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Embankment Strengthening: Raising and strengthening of existing bunds (embankments) along vulnerable stretches of the Markanda River to prevent breaches.
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Desilting & Dredging: Large-scale removal of silt and sandbars to increase the water-carrying capacity of the riverbed.
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Stone Pitching: Implementation of stone pitching and wire crates at sharp curves of the river to prevent soil erosion and land cutting.
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New Spur Construction: Building of new spurs (structural jetties) to divert the water current away from the banks toward the center of the river.
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Regional Impact: These projects will provide much-needed relief to dozens of villages in the Shahbad and Babain blocks of Kurukshetra and the Mullana area of Ambala, where agricultural land and residential colonies often face the brunt of the Markanda’s fury.
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Timeline and Funding: The state has allocated a dedicated budget for these initiatives under the 2026 flood management plan. Work is expected to begin in the pre-monsoon phase (starting March/April) to ensure that the infrastructure is ready before the onset of the next rainy season.
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Technology Integration: The Irrigation and Water Resources Department will use GIS mapping and satellite imagery to monitor the progress and efficacy of these flood control structures in real-time.
