A significant leak occurred in the Bhakra Canal near the Punjab-Haryana border, causing extensive flooding of agricultural fields in both states. The breach, which took place on Saturday evening, resulted in substantial losses to moong and cotton crops currently being cultivated in the area. Upon discovering the flooding, local farmers and officials from Punjab and Haryana immediately sprang into action to address the situation.
Around 7 pm, water started gushing out of the canal bank near Surtia village. The flow quickly escalated due to strong currents within the canal. Initial efforts to stem the flow, such as using heavy machinery, proved difficult due to the force of the water. Additional equipment and manpower were summoned to the area to assist with repair work throughout the night.
By the time the breach was sealed, over 40 feet of the canal bank had been damaged. Farmland spanning hundreds of acres in Surtia village in Haryana and the nearby Punjab villages of Natheha and Bandran had been submerged. Farmers reported widespread crop destruction, with some losing their entire moong harvests across multiple acres. Infrastructure like tube wells was also impaired by the flooding.
Officials coordinated between the two states to first reduce the volume of water in the canal before making repairs. They were able to gain control of the situation after approximately five hours. Inspections found the leak was caused by erosion near the roots of a tree during strong winds. Reinforcement of the bank is ongoing to prevent future damage. Cooperation continues between Punjab and Haryana to address recovery efforts.
