Ghaggar River Swells, Hanumangarh at Risk; CM Sharma Speaks to Punjab CM

The Rajasthan administration has stepped up preparations to tackle the threat of floods after abnormal rainfall hit large parts of the state. This year, 21 districts in Marudhara have received unusually heavy rains, while 16 districts faced more than normal showers, creating challenging conditions for both residents and officials.

In Hanumangarh district, where the situation is especially concerning due to the rising water levels of the Ghaggar river, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma has spoken with Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann about the possibility of additional inflow. Officials across the state have been put on high alert.

At a press conference in the Collectorate auditorium on Monday, District Collector Dr. Khushal Yadav, Superintendent of Police Hari Shankar, ADM Ummedilal Meena, and Regulation Superintending Engineer Rama Kishan assured people that there is no cause for panic. “The situation is normal at present, and the administration is fully prepared to handle any emergency,” they said.

Dr. Yadav explained that while heavy rains are affecting the whole of North India—particularly Punjab—the inflow in the Ghaggar river is being closely monitored. Plans are in place to divert water to the Indira Gandhi Canal if needed, though officials hope such a step will not be necessary. Work has already begun at 10 identified drainage points in the city. Leaves of government employees have been cancelled, and a 24-hour control room is now operational.

Appealing to the public, Dr. Yadav urged residents to stay calm but remain cautious: “If your house has cracks or does not feel safe, please do not put yourself at risk. Move to a safer location. Keep important medicines, documents and essentials ready in case you need to leave quickly.”

SP Hari Shankar added that both police and disaster response forces are on standby. One SDRF team has already reached Hanumangarh, with another requested from headquarters. Police presence from the Gogamedi fair will also be redeployed to the flood-prone areas.

Officials also released current water discharge figures: 42,342 cusecs at Gulachika, 10,700 at Khanori, 12,500 at Chandpur, 17,000 at Otu Head, and 16,930 at Ghaggar Siphon. Sensitive and highly sensitive zones have been marked across the district—13 in Hanumangarh, 5 in Pilibanga, and 15 in Tibbi.

As part of disaster management measures, 217 shelters have been readied across Hanumangarh, Pilibanga, and Tibbi. Residents can reach the district control room at 01552-260299 or share information via WhatsApp at 82094-05037.