Heavy rain causes massive loss at Saraswati sugar mill; approx 80K quintals of sugar damaged

Time of India

a day ago

Heavy rain across Haryana's Yamunanagar district has caused widespread flooding and severe damage, with
Saraswati Sugar Mill
bearing the brunt of the disaster. Approximately 80,000 quintals (five layers) of stored sugar have been spoiled after rainwater entered the mill's godowns. The total stock of sugar in the godowns was around 2.20 lakh quintals. In addition to the sugar loss, machinery has also been affected by water intrusion, pushing estimated damages to between Rs 10 and 15 crores.
The mill management has blamed an overflowing drain near the Yamuna Syndicate area, which runs alongside the sugar mill godowns. According to S.K. Sachdeva, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Saraswati Sugar Mill, the drain overflowed due to Sunday night's heavy rainfall, and some encroachment on the nullah downstream has further obstructed water outflow. The drain has also not been cleaned, he said. Water entered the godowns through the shutter gaps and accumulated up to four feet inside. Pumps operated throughout the day to remove the water, he said.
Sugar Mill CEO Sachdeva added that they have started the process of emptying the godowns to ascertain the exact loss, which will take about 20 days. He added that this is the first time in his 20 years of service that rainwater has entered the sugar mill in such a way, adding that the old mill workers said that water never entered the mill in the past.
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The drain downstream of the sugar mill was reportedly clogged with garbage, causing the overflow. Despite contractor claims that all city drains had been cleaned by the municipal corporation, the scene on the ground told a different story. The mill confirmed that sugar immediately deteriorates upon contact with water. As sugar extraction from the storage continues, the extent of the spoilage is still being assessed and could rise further.
Yamunanagar's Model Town Area Submerged in Just a Few Hours of Rain
The situation in Yamunanagar's Shakti Nagar area of Model Town has escalated into an urban flood crisis. In this area, considered the heart of the city, nearly 4 feet of rainwater inundated roads and homes within hours. Household items, including kitchen goods, were submerged, and even LPG cylinders were seen floating. Streets turned into rivers, and transformers submerged in water sparked fears of electrocution.
Residents have slammed the Yamunanagar-Jagadhri Municipal Corporation for its false assurances. Congress leader Satpal Kaushik called the situation a clear failure of the government and municipal officials. Despite repeated inspections and claims of
monsoon preparedness
, homes and streets were flooded. Residents struggled without food until the afternoon, as kitchens were rendered unusable.
Sadhaura Drowns Too: Overflowing River Submerges Fields and Homes
The Sadhaura region of Yamunanagar district also witnessed heavy flooding as the Nakti River overflowed and inundated nearby fields and low-lying residential areas. Local farmers reported widespread crop loss, including damage to paddy saplings and other standing crops. Flooded roads disrupted transportation, leaving residents unable to commute. Many were stranded in their homes, and schoolchildren and office-goers faced major challenges.
Villagers complained that this issue recurs every monsoon, yet no permanent drainage or flood prevention solution has been implemented by the administration.
The situation in Yamunanagar and Sadhaura highlights a growing need for better monsoon infrastructure and emergency response mechanisms in the region.