Highlighting a critical challenge facing the state’s agrarian economy, the Haryana Chief Minister has formally approached the Union Government seeking financial and technical assistance to address severe waterlogging across 6 lakh acres of agricultural land. The request was made during a high-level meeting with central authorities to discuss sustainable reclamation strategies for the affected districts.
The Extent of Damage Large tracts of land, particularly in the Rohtak, Jhajjar, Sonipat, and Jind districts, have remained submerged or saturated for extended periods, making them unfit for cultivation.
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Economic Impact: The waterlogging has prevented thousands of farmers from sowing the Rabi crop, leading to significant financial losses and threatening the state’s wheat production targets.
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The Request: The Chief Minister has sought a special package for the installation of vertical drainage systems, the construction of surface drains, and the provision of high-capacity pumping sets to drain out stagnant water.
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Long-term Solution: The state has proposed a joint project with central agencies for soil treatment and the creation of “lakes” or water bodies in low-lying areas to manage excess runoff effectively.
Government Strategy The state government is currently implementing a subsidy scheme for farmers who adopt saline-water-resistant crops, but officials noted that central aid is necessary for the massive infrastructure required to reclaim such a vast area. The Chief Minister emphasized that reclaiming this land is essential for achieving the goal of doubling farmers’ income and ensuring food security.
Central teams are expected to visit the worst-hit areas later this month to assess the situation and formulate a comprehensive drainage master plan.
