With the arrival of the monsoon, weather conditions across northern India have undergone a significant transformation. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted widespread rainfall across various parts of Haryana for July 11. Several areas face the risk of severe thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds, which could impact daily operations. While three districts were already under an alert, a yellow alert for heavy rain remains in effect today for Panchkula, Ambala, and Yamunanagar. Although the state has recorded below-average monsoon rainfall so far, activity is expected to taper off slightly after July 11. However, the weather is projected to remain variable through July 15, with intermittent cloud cover and light, scattered rain accompanied by thunder and lightning expected across northern Haryana districts.
Rainfall Data and Rising Water Levels in Yamuna
According to data from the Agriculture Department, Karnal district recorded an average of 40 mm of rainfall in the last 24 hours, the highest for the current season. Among the six block-level rainfall monitoring stations in Karnal, Nilokheri block received the maximum at 84.4 mm, followed by Indri at 60 mm, Karnal block at 44 mm, Munak at 5 mm, and Gharaunda at 4 mm. The impact of these initial monsoon showers is clearly visible at the Hathnikund Barrage, where 50,649 cusecs of water have been recorded. Given the persistent rainfall in the mountainous regions of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, water levels are expected to rise further, prompting officials to advise villages situated along the banks of the Yamuna to remain on high alert.
Status of Hathnikund Barrage and Safety Measures
Continuous heavy rainfall over the past three days in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand has led to a surge in water inflow at the Hathnikund Barrage. According to the Irrigation Department, 10 out of the 18 gates have been opened toward the Yamuna River to safely discharge the excess water. Residents living in proximity to the river have been advised to exercise caution. The Irrigation Department has specifically appealed to villagers to avoid unnecessary movement near the riverbanks and to keep children and livestock at a safe distance from all water sources.
Severe Weather Conditions in Himachal Pradesh
The weather in Himachal Pradesh has turned volatile. The IMD has issued an alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall for July 11. Popular destinations such as Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala, and Solan are expected to experience severe weather, with heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms. These conditions are likely to increase the water levels in streams and rivulets, and tourists have been advised to remain cautious. In Shimla, persistent rain has begun to disrupt normal life. On Friday morning, a massive tree collapsed onto Bemloe Road near the Chief Minister's official residence, Oak Over, causing damage to an electric pole and safety railings. Fortunately, no pedestrians or vehicles were present at the time, preventing a major accident.
Administrative Action and Safety Protocols
In Shimla’s Vikasnagar suburb, incidents of landslides and falling boulders have been reported, causing damage to several vehicles parked on the roadside. Sheenam Kataria, a councilor from the Bemloe ward, has demanded that the Forest Department conduct an immediate survey of all old and vulnerable trees in the city to prevent potential loss of life in the future. The Meteorological Center in Shimla has predicted that the spell of heavy rain will continue for the next six days. In the last 24 hours, the highest rainfall of 21 cm was recorded in Pachhad, Sirmaur district, followed by 16 cm in Nahan, 15 cm in Kasauli, 14 cm in Dharampur, and 11 cm each in Solan and Palampur. The department has warned of potential landslides, waterlogging, slippery roads, and temporary disruptions to essential services, with flash flood risks persisting in some parts of Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti.
Prioritizing public safety in view of the monsoon, the Kangra administration has imposed an immediate ban on visiting rivers, seasonal streams, waterfalls, dams, reservoirs, and other water bodies, alongside a restriction on high-risk activities. These orders have been issued under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. Regarding school safety, Education Minister Rohit Thakur has clarified that in the event of severe weather, the decision to close schools will be taken by the Deputy Commissioners of the respective districts, who will hold full responsibility for the decision. Thakur further specified that whenever a closure order is issued, it will apply to both students and all teaching and non-teaching staff to avoid confusion and ensure uniformity in the orders.
