Page 135 - Haryana Water Resources Atlas 2025

Flood Affected Area (2023)

N
flood-affected area is characterized by the inundation of land due to
an overflow of water, typically caused by heavy rainfall, river
Aoverflow, or a combination of both. Figure 91 presented here W E
illustrates the extent of flood-affected regions in Haryana, outlining specific
areas facing varying degrees of impact. S

With the highest level of floods, the central and eastern regions of Hisar are Scale
Kms
hardest hit. As the floodwaters continue east, they cover large areas of land
0 12.5 25 50 75 100
in Bhiwani's eastern districts. The western parts of Panipat, Sonipat, and
Karnal are also significantly affected, with the southern part of Jind
experiencing substantial flooding. Furthermore, the majority of Rohtak,
Jhajjar, and Mewat fall within the medium to highly-affected zones,
amplifying the challenges faced by these areas. In contrast, parts of Sirsa
and Fatehabad situated along the Ghaggar natural drainage system are
categorized as low-affected areas. These regions benefit from the drainage
system's capacity to manage water flow efficiently. Additionally, eastern
parts of Palwal and Faridabad, aligned with the Yamuna natural drainage
areas, experience lower levels of flooding, though they are not exempt from
the challenges posed by waterlogging.
Waterlogging compounds the issues in several areas, a consequence of
various factors such as rainfall intensity, soil conditions, and the
surrounding landscape. The interplay of these elements contributes to the
vulnerability of Haryana's flood-affected regions, emphasizing the need for
comprehensive mitigation strategies.
To address the challenges posed by flooding in Haryana, potential solutions
include:
1. Improved Drainage Infrastructure: Invest in robust drainage
systems and maintenance to enhance water flow and prevent
waterlogging.
2. Early Warning Systems: Implement advanced forecasting and early
warning systems to provide residents with timely alerts, enabling
them to evacuate and minimize loss of life and property.

3. Community Awareness Programs: Educate communities about
flood preparedness, evacuation procedures, and the importance of
adhering to local regulations to reduce vulnerability.
4. Land Use Planning: Develop and enforce strict land use regulations
to prevent construction in high-risk flood zones, thereby
minimizing potential damage.
5. Afforestation Programs: Increase green cover to enhance soil
absorption capacity and reduce surface runoff, mitigating the
impact of heavy rainfall.
Through a comprehensive strategy that integrates technical innovations,
community outreach, infrastructure development, and environmental
preservation, Haryana may work to strengthen its ability to withstand the
frequent problems that the region's flooding presents.

Figure 91. Flood Affected Area (2023)
Data Source-HARSAC
Haryana Water Resources Atlas 117|