On July 13, 2025, the Haryana State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) convened a high-level review meeting to assess the state’s preparedness for potential monsoon-related flooding. With the monsoon season intensifying and water levels rising in key rivers, the authority focused its attention on safeguarding the state’s vulnerable low-lying areas.
🚨 Focus on ‘Critical’ Districts
The review, presided over by senior SDMA officials and the Chief Secretary, analyzed the current status of river embankments and drainage systems. Special attention was directed towards districts bordering the Yamuna and Ghaggar rivers, which historically face the highest risk of inundation during peak monsoon months.
Key directives issued during the meeting included:
Embankment Strengthening: Immediate reinforcement of weak points along the river bunds in Yamunanagar, Karnal, Panipat, and Sonipat.
Pump Deployment: Ensuring the operational readiness of high-capacity dewatering pumps in urban low-lying pockets to prevent waterlogging.
Evacuation Plans: Finalizing evacuation routes and identifying safe shelters for villages situated inside the riverbed areas.
🚤 NDRF and SDRF on Standby
The SDMA confirmed that teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been placed on high alert. The meeting reviewed the inventory of rescue equipment, ensuring that motorized boats, life jackets, and emergency medical kits are strategically positioned in high-risk zones for rapid deployment.
Officials were also instructed to maintain constant communication with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to receive real-time rainfall alerts and coordinate with the barrage authorities (like Hathnikund) to manage water release schedules effectively, preventing sudden downstream flooding.