"Rivers in Haryana overflowing...Nayab Saini government absent, 'busy' cracking jokes!": Randeep Surjewala on flood mismanagement

New Delhi [India], September 1 (ANI): Congress MP Randeep Surjewala on Monday criticised the BJP government in Haryana, led by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, for failing to take adequate measures to prevent flooding, including proper drainage and flood management systems.
In an 'X' post, Surjewala said that the Saini government is busy "cracking jokes"; meanwhile, 3 lakh acre crops in the state have been destroyed. He alleged that six people have lost their lives in floods, whereas the Ghaggar and Yamuna rivers have caused heavy losses in the state.
"Rivers in Haryana are overflowing, fields submerged in water, Nayab Saini government absent, 'busy' cracking jokes! 3,00,000 (3 lakh acres) of crops destroyed! 6 people lost their lives, thousands of cattle swept away! From Ghaggar to Yamuna, everything in flood, heavy losses!," the 'X' post read.
The lack of preparedness and response has exacerbated the situation, leaving many people stranded and without access to necessities.
The Congress leader further criticised the state government, alleging that there were no arrangements for water drainage and no efforts to clear the silt in emergency drains.
Surjewala further accused the Centre of abandoning Haryana and Punjab, leaving them to fend for themselves during this crisis.
"The BJP government has left Haryana, like Punjab, to fend for itself. Neither were drains cleaned, nor were flood management arrangements made. Even now, no arrangements for water drainage, no efforts to clear silt from safety or emergency drains, no relief, no compensation. The Modi government has completely washed its hands of Haryana and Punjab, leaving them to their fate. Will Nayab Saini now step out of jokes and laughter to take care of the state?," the 'X' post said.
Earlier on Sunday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a nowcast alert for Haryana and Punjab, forecasting thunderstorms, lightning, and rain in several districts.
According to the IMD, thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and heavy rainfall are expected in areas including Gharaunda, Karnal, Thanesar, Safidon, Panipat, Asandh, Kaithal, Nilokheri, Narwana, Kalayat, Panchkula, Guhla, Pehowa, Shahabad, Ambala, Chandigarh, and Kalka. Wind speeds are likely to reach 30-40 kmph.
Meanwhile, other than Haryana, floods and landslides have caused damage in several other parts of north India, including Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir.
The death toll in Himachal Pradesh has reached 320 due to floods, whereas in a recent incident of a landslide in Jammu and Kashmir, more than 30 people lost their lives near the Vaishno Devi shrine. (ANI)