Jodhpur, July 2 -- The Rajasthan government has informed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that the Sahibi river, once active during monsoons, started receiving very little water since 1977. This was stated in a report submitted by the water resources department on behalf of the chief secretary in compliance with the NGT's order. The Sahibi river is an ephemeral (seasonal) river that is dependent on monsoon rainfall for its flow. "In 1977, northern India experienced unusual heavy rains, and the Sahibi river flooded several areas - especially in Rewari, Dharuhera, and nearby villages in Haryana - causing damage to farms, homes, and infrastructure. Parts of Delhi were also affected by the overflow," the report stated. According to the report submitted on June 26, after the 1977 flood, the Masani Barrage was constructed near Masani village in Rewari, along the Delhi-Jaipur Highway, to control flooding and retain water. "However, since then, the construction of multiple dams and bunds in surrounding areas has significantly reduced the natural flow of water into the Sahibi river. Even during heavy rainfall in monsoon, it is now rare for water to reach the Masani Barrage,"the report stated. Hindustan Times has a copy of the report. The government also pointed out that several small streams in the river basin flow only for short distances before disappearing into the sandy ground. As a result, they contribute little to the main river. On February 12, the NGT ordered the state government and the Delhi government to submit the status report of the water flow of Sahibi river prior to 1977 and copies of survey maps and google images showing the river course/channel of the river Sahibi. ....