Delhi LG takes note of massive breach in CLC branch of Munak Canal

New Delhi [India], July 11 : Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena has taken serious note of the massive breach in the CLC branch of Munak Canal and has advised the Chief Secretary to take the matter with Water Minister and Minister of Flood Control Department, GNCTD so as to ensure that the matter is taken up with the Haryana Authorities at the appropriate level and this channel is restored, repaired and maintained at the earliest.
The un-lined segment of the canal should also be taken up for lining on priority, to avoid breaches and water losses.
The LG in his letter, has given several directions. He has desired that CEO Delhi Jal Board may be directed to immediately reach the spot along with his team of engineers and coordinate with the Government of Haryana authorities to ensure restoration of Munak Canal at the earliest
NDRF teams may be immediately asked to evacuate affected people from the area. Irrigation and Flood Control Department to deploy pumps to drain out water at the earliest and provide additional boats to NDRF as required.
Adequate arrangements may be provided by DUSIB for relief and rehabilitation measures and making available basic minimum services including shelter. Disaster Management Cell of Revenue Department may be advised to provide relief as per norms.
Area District Magistrate to deploy a team of executive magistrates to coordinate relief and rescue operations. Local public announcements may be made to make people aware of the arrangements. Health Department may ensure that medical teams are in place to address any exigencies and medical emergency.
"The breach in the Munak Canal underlines the absence of adequate maintenance of the Canal, which should have be undertaken by Delhi Jal Board through Haryana Irrigation Department from time to time," wrote Delhi L-G to Chief Secretary.
On Thursday, a sub-branch of the Munak Canal sustained a breach, in the Bawana region of North Delhi.Munak Canal, which is a part of the Western Yamuna Canal, got its Career Lined Channel (CLC) that runs into Bawana broke, leading to floods in nearby areas.
Taking to X, Delhi's Water Minister Atishi said, "Today early morning, there has been a breach in one of the sub-branches of Munak Canal. Delhi Jal Board is working in close coordination with the Haryana Irrigation Department, who maintain the Munak Canal. Water has been diverted to the other sub-branch of the canal. Repair work has already started and will be completed by this afternoon. The breached sub-branch of the canal will be functional from tomorrow."
Inspecting the situation, Delhi Flood Control Minister and Aam Aadmi Party leader Saurabh Bharadwaj said that they got the information of the embankment being broken in the night. He also asked the Chief Engineer of the Flood Department to go there to help the officials of the Delhi Jal Board.
"CLC (career lined channel) comes into Bawana that carries water from Haryana. We got this information about the embankment being broken in the night. Delhi Jal Board officials are there. I have asked the chief engineer of the Flood Department to go there and if the Flood Department can help the Jal Board in any way, we will do that," Bharadwaj said.
Alam, a resident of the JJ Colony, said that the water had entered every block of the colony and the administration was not making much effort to maintain the flow.
"Water has entered almost every block of the JJ Colony. The barrage of the Munak canal broke at approximately midnight. The administration, especially the irrigation department, isn't making enough effort to stop the flow... The local leader came to see, but nothing has happened so far that should have been," he said.
Speaking on the preparedness of the Flood Department, Saurabh Bharadwaj said, "Last time, the level of Yamuna rose so much that it broke the barrage here and entered the city. The flood department is prepared well this year. New machinery is being put up, and an embankment of rocks is there that is 5 metres wide... I hope that the water of Yamuna won't enter the city this year."