Sirsa MP, former Union Minister, Congress General Secretary and Congress Working Committee (CWC) member Kumari Selja has urged the Centre and the Haryana Government to seriously examine a long-term proposal to channel surplus monsoon water from the Yamuna River into the Ghaggar river system, saying the initiative could significantly improve water availability in western Haryana while reducing flood risks in low-lying areas.

Referring to the uneven distribution of rainfall during this year’s monsoon, Selja said the prevailing situation once again underlines the need for a comprehensive and scientific water management policy.

She noted that while several parts of Haryana have witnessed below-normal rainfall, other regions have experienced heavy showers, resulting in waterlogging and flood-like conditions.

Selja said she had earlier raised the issue both in Parliament and before Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, urging the government to explore the feasibility of diverting excess monsoon water from the Yamuna towards the Ghaggar basin.

She called for a detailed technical and environmental feasibility study involving experts before moving ahead with the proposal.

She observed that during periods of heavy rainfall, the Yamuna often carries surplus water, increasing the risk of flooding in Delhi and adjoining areas of Haryana.

At the same time, districts such as Sirsa, Fatehabad, Hisar and parts of Jind continue to face recurring shortages of irrigation and drinking water.

According to Selja, creating a scientifically planned network of canals, reservoirs and water channels could help utilise excess floodwater more effectively while providing long-term relief to water-scarce regions.

Highlighting the importance of the Sirsa Branch Canal, Selja said the historic canal, constructed in 1896 as part of the Western Yamuna Canal system, once played a vital role in supplying irrigation water to Karnal, Kaithal, Jind, Fatehabad and Sirsa.

She said years of inadequate maintenance have reduced its efficiency and urged the government to undertake a comprehensive technical survey for its restoration and modernisation.

She further stated that water is not merely an irrigation issue but a matter directly linked to the livelihood and future of farmers. With groundwater depletion emerging as a serious challenge across western Haryana, increasing the availability of surface water has become an urgent necessity.

Calling for a non-partisan approach, Selja urged the Centre and the State Government to work jointly with irrigation experts, environmental specialists, water resource planners and farmer representatives to prepare a comprehensive strategy.

She said the study should evaluate the utilisation of surplus Yamuna water, the revival of the Sirsa Branch Canal, the carrying capacity of the Ghaggar system and options for creating additional water storage infrastructure in western Haryana.

She maintained that if a technically and environmentally viable system is developed, it could become a long-term solution for strengthening water security across Sirsa, Fatehabad, Hisar, Jind and other parts of the state.

POD/DESK