Surjewala Blames Haryana Govt for Floods, Seeks Relief Package

Senior Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala criticized the Nayab Singh Saini-led Haryana government on Monday, claiming that the recent floods and waterlogging in the state were not solely due to natural factors but were worsened by "incompetence and inaction," despite early warnings of heavy monsoon rains.

Surjewala, who has toured several flood-affected areas in recent days, pointed to a lack of preparedness as a key issue. He noted that annual flood control board meetings, involving senior officials, typically address vulnerable spots, such as clogged drains and weak river embankments. However, he alleged no steps were taken this year, including embankment strengthening, desilting of canals and rivers, cleaning of drainage systems, or conducting mock drills. This negligence, he argued, has led to extensive flooding in 11 cities and 72 towns, submerging thousands of acres of farmland and destroying crops.

The leader highlighted the severe impact across regions, including Yamunanagar, Ambala, Bahadurgarh, and others. For instance, overflowing rivers like the Yamuna, Ghaggar, Markanda, Tangri, and Som caused breaches that flooded industrial areas, such as the scientific instrument sector in Ambala and residential colonies in Jagadhri and Shahbad. He also accused activities like rampant mining and river diversions by the "mining mafia" of aggravating the situation, resulting in losses to industries, homes, and agriculture.

Also Read: Relief Camps Struggle as Yamuna Floods Submerge Delhi Homes

Surjewala further claimed that drainage system failures, such as breaches in canals in Sirsa, Fatehabad, Hisar, Rohtak, and Jhajjar, contributed to the chaos. This has damaged tube wells, contaminated drinking water, swept away hundreds of cattle, and flooded village roads. Despite reports of loss of life and property, he alleged the government has not sought assistance from central agencies like the NDRF or the Army for relief operations.

In response, Surjewala demanded urgent measures, including Rs 50,000 per acre for farmers with damaged crops and Rs 1 lakh per animal lost. He also called for special funds to repair flood-damaged infrastructure, such as village roads, state highways, schools, and community centers, within the next 30 days.

This critique from the opposition underscores ongoing debates about disaster management in Haryana, which has faced recurrent flooding due to heavy monsoon rains in 2025.

Also Read: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Promises Full Support to Flood-Hit States