Page 133 - Haryana Water Resources Atlas 2025

Surface Waterlogged Villages (2018-2023)

urface waterlogging is a prevalent issue in numerous villages in Haryana,
particularly in central Haryana during the monsoon season. Heavy rainfall
Scauses water to accumulate on the ground's surface, resulting in flooding. N
This flooding can harm crops and property, disrupt transportation and
communication, and pose health hazards. The villages in Haryana most W E
susceptible to surface waterlogging are those situated in low-lying areas, those
with inadequate drainage systems, and those with high water level. Figure 89
illustrates the distribution of villages affected by surface waterlogging in S
Haryana. Ambala, Bhiwani, Charkhi Dadri, Fatehabad, Gurugram, Jhajjar, Jind, Scale
Hisar, Kaithal, Karnal, Kurukshetra, Mewat, Rewari, Rohtak, Sirsa, and Kms
0 12.5 25 50 75 100
Yamunanagar are the main areas experiencing surface waterlogging. The
pattern of Ground Water-based waterlogging is mirrored by the frequency of
surface waterlogged villages in central Haryana indicating that the issue is
exacerbated by shallow water levels, poor water drainage, and poor water
infiltration caused by salinity of the surface soil.

The severity of surface waterlogging can vary depending on rainfall intensity, soil
conditions, and the surrounding landscape. This problem can lead to several
significant issues with far-reaching impacts such as Crop damage: Surface
waterlogging damages crops, leading to reduced yields, and impacting the local
economy and food security; Property damage: Floodwaters can harm homes,
businesses, and structures, necessitating expensive repairs and reconstruction;
Health risks: Standing water becomes a breeding ground for disease-carrying
mosquitoes and other insects, increasing the risk of malaria, dengue fever, and
waterborne illnesses; Disruption of transportation and communication:
Waterlogged roads and bridges become impassable, hindering travel and access
to essential services like healthcare and education; Environmental damage:
Surface waterlogging leads to soil degradation, negatively affecting the local
ecosystem and water quality; Economic losses: Productivity decline, increased
healthcare costs, and other economic losses have a substantial impact on the
local economy.
To address surface waterlogging in Haryana, several measures can be
implemented: Improve drainage systems: Enhance existing drainage systems
and construct new ones to efficiently remove excess water; Construct water
storage structures: Build reservoirs and other water storage facilities to capture
and store excess rainwater for future use; Promote rainwater harvesting:
Encourage the adoption of rainwater harvesting practices in areas with deep
water level to recharge Ground Water; Implement soil conservation practices:
Employ measures such as contour plowing, terracing, and cover cropping to
prevent soil erosion and enhance infiltration in waterlogged or shallow water
level areas; Sub-surface drainage: Promote the installation of sub-surface
horizontal and vertical drainage systems to alleviate waterlogging in areas with
shallow water level ; Surface drains: Utilize surface drains to minimize surface
waterlogging in shallow water level areas; Bio-drainage and fish farming:
Explore the use of bio-drainage techniques and fish farming to help mitigate
surface waterlogging issues; Public awareness campaigns: Conduct awareness
campaigns to educate the public about the causes, effects, and preventive
measures of surface waterlogging; Integrated approach: Employ a combination
of strategies that work together to manage and mitigate the effects of heavy
rainfall, reducing the risk of crop damage, property damage, waterborne
diseases, and other problems associated with surface waterlogging.
By implementing these solutions, it is possible to mitigate the impacts of surface
waterlogging and create a more resilient and sustainable water management
system in Haryana.

Figure 89. Surface Waterlogged Villages (2018-2023)

Data Source-IWRDR & HARSAC
Haryana Water Resources Atlas 115|