Recent heavy monsoon rains have caused the Ghaggar River to cross danger levels in Punjab’s Mohali and Patiala districts. Floodgates at Sukhna Lake were opened to manage water flow. Despite some overflow in Ghanaur village, authorities report the situation is currently under control. The water level is expected to fall in the coming hours. Flooding mainly affects Mohali, Patiala, Sangrur, and Mansa districts. These areas are vulnerable due to the Ghaggar’s nature as a rainfed seasonal river with no major dams for regulation.
Ghaggar River Overview
The Ghaggar is Punjab’s largest rainfed river. It originates in the Shivalik foothills near Dagshai, Himachal Pradesh. Flowing through Haryana and then Punjab, it covers Mohali, Patiala, Sangrur, and Mansa districts. The river is mostly dry outside monsoon but swells rapidly during heavy rains. Historically linked to the ancient Saraswati river system, it carries cultural significance. The river eventually disappears into the Thar Desert through the dry Hakra channel.
Flooding and Its Impact
Known as Malwa’s river of sorrow, the Ghaggar causes sudden floods during monsoon. The river’s seasonal nature and lack of storage make it prone to flash floods. Intense rainfall in catchment areas leads to rapid water surges. Floodwaters damage crops, homes, and infrastructure, displacing thousands. Encroachments, silt build-up, and weak embankments worsen flooding. Past major floods occurred in 1988, 1993, 2008, 2019, and 2023, severely affecting Mohali, Patiala, Sangrur, Mansa, and parts of Haryana.
Tributaries and Catchment Area
The Ghaggar receives water from several tributaries and seasonal streams or choes. These include Kaushalya Nadi, Tangri, Markanda, Sarsa, Patiala Badi Nadi, Patiala Ki Rao, Jhabo Wali Choe, and Sirhind Choe. Originating mainly from the Shivalik foothills, these tributaries swell during heavy rains, increasing flood risks downstream. For example, Kaushalya Nadi joins near Pinjore, Haryana, while Markanda merges near Shahabad. Patiala Badi Nadi flows through Patiala city and has a danger mark of 15 feet.
Flood Management and Challenges
No major dam exists on the Ghaggar itself. The Kaushalya Dam on Kaushalya Nadi near Pinjore is the primary flood-control structure in the basin. Smaller embankments and bundhs exist but are often insufficient. The river’s rapid swelling after rainfall demands real-time monitoring and quick response. Removing encroachments and strengthening embankments are critical. Unlike perennial rivers like Sutlej, Ravi, and Beas, which have regulated flow, rainfed rivers like Ghaggar pose unpredictable flood threats to Punjab’s Malwa region.
Hydrological and Geographical Context
Punjab’s river system includes perennial glacier-fed rivers and seasonal rainfed rivers. The Ghaggar is a prime example of the latter. Its flow depends entirely on monsoon rains in Himachal Pradesh and Haryana. The river’s course through plains and sandy tracts makes it prone to disappearing and reappearing. This variability adds to the difficulty of flood prediction and management. The river’s hydrological links with Haryana and Rajasthan also influence flood dynamics.
Environmental and Socioeconomic Implications
Floods disrupt agriculture, the main livelihood in the region. Damage to crops and infrastructure causes economic losses. Displaced populations face hardships. The repeated flooding affects long-term development and planning. Environmental degradation due to siltation and encroachments reduces river capacity. Sustainable management requires balancing ecological health with human safety and economic needs.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the impact of rainfed rivers like the Ghaggar on regional flood management policies in India.
- Explain the hydrological differences between perennial glacier-fed rivers and seasonal rainfed rivers with suitable examples from Punjab.
- What are the challenges in managing river basins that cross multiple states? How can inter-state cooperation improve flood control?
- Comment on the role of embankments and dams in flood mitigation. What are their limitations and environmental impacts?
