Just a few months ago, as far as the eye could see in Depal village of Hisar district, Haryana, there was nothing but water. Agricultural fields had turned into ponds. Crops such as sorghum (jowar), pearl millet (bajra), and cotton had been destroyed. Farmers watched their hard work wash away, while agricultural laborers faced an uncertain future with no source of livelihood. Villagers recall that the situation had become so severe that they could not imagine how farming would resume or how their families would make ends meet.
- When Every Field Became a Pond, Farmers Faced Their Biggest Question: How Would the Next Crop Be Sown?
- Villagers Recall: “We Didn’t Even Feel Like Going to Our Fields”
- How the Relief Effort Began and What Assistance Reached the Village
- As Green Fields Returned, So Did Smiles Across the Village
- “Harmony Returned to the Village”: Residents Also Speak of Social Change
- Villagers Freely Appreciated the Service Rendered by Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj
- Villagers Hope Similar Support Will Be Available Whenever Needed
- Today, Depal Is Known Not Only for Flooding but Also for Resilience and Recovery
- When Hope Begins to Fade, Timely Selfless Support Can Be Life-Changing
In many parts of the village, water had accumulated to a depth of two to five feet. It became nearly impossible even to enter the fields. Every morning, farmers would visit their land only to be greeted by the same heartbreaking sight. Throughout the village, the biggest concern remained the same: how would this water ever be drained?
According to the villagers, it was during this difficult period that the village panchayat requested assistance from Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj. Relief support was subsequently provided to the village, enabling work to begin on draining water from the fields. Villagers say that following this assistance, conditions improved rapidly, and the fields gradually became suitable for cultivation once again.
When Every Field Became a Pond, Farmers Faced Their Biggest Question: How Would the Next Crop Be Sown?
For the farmers of Depal, this was not merely a natural disaster—it threatened their entire year’s income. The previous crop had already suffered significant losses, and the prolonged waterlogging had almost eliminated any hope of sowing the next crop.
Bhupendra Singh Malik, the Sarpanch’s representative, says that approximately 400 to 500 acres of farmland were submerged.
According to him:
“At that time, we felt that perhaps we wouldn’t be able to sow crops at all this season. The fields were flooded, and there seemed to be no way to drain the water.”
Villagers also explain that attempts to divert the water toward neighboring villages began creating disputes, as every village was trying to protect its own farmland and crops. This raised concerns about increasing social tensions.
Villagers Recall: “We Didn’t Even Feel Like Going to Our Fields”
Farmer Rampal Singh says the water level was so high that reaching the fields had become impossible.
According to him:
“We had no hope of when this water would recede. Every family in the village was worried about how farming would continue.”
Another farmer, Krishna, recalls:
“There was three to four feet of standing water. We didn’t even feel like visiting our fields. There was disappointment everywhere.”
Many farmers believed that if the water had not been removed in time, even the next wheat crop could not have been sown, multiplying their losses.
How the Relief Effort Began and What Assistance Reached the Village
According to the villagers, after the request for assistance was made, Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj arranged for pipes and high-capacity water pumps to support the drainage operation.
As described in the villagers’ accounts, approximately 7,400 to 7,500 feet of 8-inch pipeline, along with powerful pumps, was supplied to the village. These resources were used continuously, day and night, to remove the accumulated water. Villagers say that as the drainage work progressed, the fields gradually became cultivable again within a relatively short period.
Krishna Kumar says:
“Everything we requested was provided based on the survey. We received the required equipment, and the entire drainage work was completed with it.”
As Green Fields Returned, So Did Smiles Across the Village
Today, the same fields that were submerged under stagnant water just months ago are now covered with flourishing wheat crops. Villagers describe this transformation as nothing short of a fresh beginning.
Sandeep Malik says:
“It feels wonderful to see greenery in the fields today. A few months ago, it seemed impossible that conditions would improve so quickly.”
Rampal Singh adds:
“Earlier there was only despair. Now the entire village is happy. The greatest relief is that we were able to sow our crops on time.”
Villagers also say that as farming resumed, agricultural laborers found work again, allowing the village’s local economy to recover.
“Harmony Returned to the Village”: Residents Also Speak of Social Change
Villagers explain that tensions with neighboring villages had begun to rise over the issue of draining excess water, as every community wanted to protect its own farmland.
Bhupendra Singh Malik says that once sufficient pipes and proper arrangements became available, a systematic solution for water drainage was implemented, reducing the possibility of disputes with neighboring villages. According to the villagers, this not only protected agriculture but also helped strengthen relationships among surrounding communities.
Villagers Freely Appreciated the Service Rendered by Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj
Most of the villagers interviewed in Depal expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj and his followers.
They say that the timely support during a period of crisis became a significant source of relief. Several villagers stated that when they were unable to find an immediate solution elsewhere, this assistance proved invaluable.
Some villagers also expressed their personal religious faith with emotion, describing Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj as a major source of support in their lives. These are their individual religious and spiritual beliefs, shared on the basis of their own experiences. According to the villagers, the relief effort extended beyond simply providing equipment; it also included continuous coordination and support, helping ensure that the water drainage operation was completed successfully.
Villagers Hope Similar Support Will Be Available Whenever Needed
Many farmers in Depal say that this experience has strengthened their belief that community cooperation is the greatest strength during times of crisis. They believe that if a similar natural disaster occurs in the future, the village will face it together and welcome assistance from any willing source. Villagers also say that timely support taught them that collective effort is often the most effective way to overcome adversity.
Today, Depal Is Known Not Only for Flooding but Also for Resilience and Recovery
The story of Depal village is not merely about draining flooded fields. It is the story of farmers who endured months of despair yet refused to lose hope. It is the story of families who watched their crops perish before their eyes but began anew with the next harvest. Today, greenery is visible not only across the fields but also on the faces of the people. Farmers say that timely assistance gave them an opportunity to recover from economic losses and renewed their optimism for the coming seasons.
When Hope Begins to Fade, Timely Selfless Support Can Be Life-Changing
The people of Depal believe that the assistance they received during difficult times proved immensely valuable. They say that when circumstances appeared hopeless, support from society helped them regain their footing. In the villagers’ view, true service is that which reaches those in need without selfish motives, especially during their most challenging moments. In their experience, this spirit of cooperation became an important step in helping their village rebuild and move forward.
