Asia’s largest sugar mill, the Shahbad Cooperative Sugar Mill in Haryana’s Kurukshetra district, has suffered extensive damage after floodwaters entered the premises late Sunday night. The estimated loss stands at a staggering ₹50 crore.
Heavy rainfall over the weekend led to overflowing of the Sirsa branch canal and nearby drains. The rising water breached the compound wall of the mill, flooding the operational and administrative areas. The incident occurred when the mill had just wrapped up its crushing season and was preparing for maintenance operations.
According to mill officials, floodwater up to five feet deep entered machinery sections, storage yards, and other critical units. Key equipment including centrifuges, electrical panels, and boilers has been submerged, while large quantities of stored sugar and molasses were either dissolved or contaminated.
Mill Chairman Surinder Dahiya confirmed the scale of the destruction. “We have suffered massive losses. The machinery is damaged, and stocks have been ruined. Initial estimates suggest a loss of ₹50 crore, and we’re still assessing further damage.”
The Shahbad Cooperative Sugar Mill is a significant part of the regional economy, supporting over 50,000 sugarcane farmers across Haryana and Punjab. The disruption has raised concerns about possible delays in farmer payments and the upcoming crushing season.
Dr. Rajeev Malik, an agriculture analyst, warned of a cascading effect on rural livelihoods. “The mill plays a central role in the regional sugarcane economy. Delays in repairs could severely affect operations and income for thousands of families.”
Relief efforts are currently underway. Pumps have been deployed to drain water from the facility, and disaster response teams are assisting with damage control. No injuries have been reported.
Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala visited the site and assured support. “We are monitoring the situation closely. A committee has been formed to investigate the causes of flooding and drainage failure. Financial aid will be provided to the mill for urgent repairs.”
The incident has triggered discussions on the vulnerability of industrial zones to climate-related disasters. Haryana has faced repeated flooding in recent years, and experts are calling for stronger infrastructure planning and better drainage systems near key industrial hubs.
The Shahbad Sugar Mill flood is one of the biggest industrial setbacks in the state in recent years and highlights the growing risk posed by extreme weather events to essential economic sectors.
