Waterlogging menace: Palwal officials to create long-term action plan

District authorities in Palwal have announced the preparation of a detailed report and a comprehensive plan to address long-standing waterlogging issues in agricultural fields across the district. Deputy Commissioner Dr Harish Kumar Vashisht shared the initiative following a field visit to several affected areas on Wednesday.

During his visit to the villages of Mandkola, Madnaka, Aaluka, Kondal, Naurangabad in Hathin, and Gadhipatti in Hodal, Dr Vashisht assessed the severity of waterlogging. He said, "Officials from the Agriculture and Irrigation departments will collaborate on a report and long-term strategy to address the issue." The waterlogging, which has plagued the region for years, affects nearly 10,000 acres, limiting farming activities and hindering crop production despite occasional efforts to drain excess water.

After discussions with officials and local residents, the authorities emphasised the immediate need to drain water from fields to enable crop sowing for the rabi season. "Although pump sets are in place at various sites, their operation is hampered by inconsistent power or diesel supply," said Dr Vashisht. He directed officials to ensure adequate power for pumping operations and ordered the disconnection of illegal tubewells operating in the area.

The Deputy Commissioner also instructed a fresh survey to document the full extent of waterlogged land. Local officials present included Manoj Rawat, MLA from Hathin, Harinder Singh, MLA from Hodal, former MLA Pravin Dagar, as well as SDMs from Hathin and Hodal, District Revenue Officer Balraj Singh, and representatives from the Irrigation and Power departments.