Rising River Levels Flood Villages in Haryana; Water Enters Roads, Fields as Hathnikund Barrage Discharge Increases

July 11, 2026

Chandigarh: Rising river levels triggered by heavy rainfall in the Himalayan region have affected several parts of Haryana, with water entering villages, roads and agricultural fields. The discharge at Hathnikund Barrage has crossed 50,000 cusecs, while authorities have issued flood advisories and imposed restrictions in vulnerable areas.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a rainfall alert for Panchkula, Ambala, Yamunanagar, Kurukshetra, Kaithal and Karnal.

Markanda River Inundates Villages in Kurukshetra

The Markanda River witnessed a sharp rise in water flow, with more than 11,000 cusecs recorded at Shahabad in Kurukshetra district.

The rising water submerged roads connecting Shahabad and Kathwa village, where videos showed water reaching the tyres of a school bus. Water also spread into nearby agricultural fields.

Officials said the river’s discharge peaked at 14,294 cusecs on Saturday morning before receding to 11,711 cusecs around 9 a.m.

The villages of Kathwa, Kalsana, Tangor and Mohanpur were among the worst affected, with movement disrupted due to waterlogging.

Section 163 Imposed in Panchkula

Heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh and Panchkula has also caused the Ghaggar, Kaushalya and Tangri rivers to swell.

As a precautionary measure, the Panchkula administration has imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) across the district.

The order prohibits people from visiting riverbanks, drains and other flood-prone areas until August 28, 2026. Authorities warned that legal action would be taken against those violating the restrictions.

Weather Department Predicts Hot and Humid Conditions

While monsoon activity has weakened across Haryana, the weather department said a change in wind patterns is likely to cause a gradual rise in daytime temperatures.

Although humidity is expected to decrease slightly, residents may continue to experience hot and sultry weather, while night temperatures are likely to remain close to normal.

Authorities have advised residents living near rivers and low-lying areas to remain alert and follow official advisories.