Despite repeated assurances from the state administration, several villages in the Bhiwani district continue to remain under water, leaving hundreds of farmers in a state of despair. Weeks after the initial flooding, residents of the worst-hit areas report that while the stagnant water remains a constant, the promised government relief and drainage efforts are conspicuously missing.
The Ground Reality The situation in villages like Mundhal, Bawani Khera, and surrounding hamlets has become increasingly dire.
-
Crop Loss: Thousands of acres of agricultural land intended for the Rabi season remain submerged. Farmers state that the window for sowing wheat and mustard is rapidly closing, and without immediate drainage, they face a total loss for the season.
-
Health Hazards: The stagnant water has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, leading to a rise in fever and skin infections among the villagers. Residents also report a foul smell emanating from the fields, which has made living conditions unbearable.
-
Infrastructure Damage: Foundations of rural houses and boundary walls are reportedly weakening due to the prolonged exposure to moisture, raising fears of structural collapses.
Voices of Dissent “We have visited the DC office and met with local representatives multiple times, but all we get are verbal promises. No high-capacity pumps have been deployed in our sector yet,” lamented a farmer from a local union. Villagers are demanding an immediate “Girdawari” (special revenue survey) to assess the damage and the direct transfer of compensation to their bank accounts.
Administrative Stand District officials maintain that they are working on a long-term drainage plan. However, they cite “technical limitations” and the “geographical slope” of the region as reasons for the slow pace of water removal. While some smaller pumps have been installed, the volume of water is far beyond their capacity.
The lack of coordination between the Irrigation Department and the local administration has further fueled public anger. Farmers have warned of blocking major highways if the water is not drained and relief is not initiated within the coming week.
