DW BUREAU / Chandigarh

On the directions of the Chief Minister S Bhagwant Singh Mann to check preparedness with regard to the flood exigency and as part of the commitment of the Punjab Government, a meeting under the Chairmanship of Chief Secretary, Punjab Mr. Anurag Verma was held to review the status of flood works and preparations for the oncoming monsoon season. The meeting was attended by all the Deputy Commissioners of the State along with the senior officers of the concerned Departments.

Chief Secretary Mr Anurag Verma said that the state Government is fully geared up to tackle any flood exigency in view of the approaching monsoon season. A large number of works are in progress and will be completed before the onset of monsoon. Mr Verma after taking note of the preparation being done for the flood season, directed the Deputy Commissioners to keep a stock of earth filled EC bags at various strategic locations based on past learnings. Deputy Commissioners have also been asked to carry out inspection of the works undertaken in their districts and also to visit and take note of the critical locations under their jurisdiction.

Chief Secretary elaborated that the Water Resources department is undertaking 65 works amounting to Rs 75 Cr through State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF). Additionally, 716 works amounting to around Rs 150 Cr are being undertaken under MGNREGA or through convergence with MGNREGA, 129 works amounting to around Rs 15 Cr would be completed through Departmental machinery. In addition, 327 works amounting to around Rs. 81 Cr are proposed to be carried out through State funding on priority and need basis. Thus, a total of 1237 works amounting to around Rs. 321 Cr will be taken up by the Water Resources department in the year 2024-25.

Mr Anurag Verma further added that new initiatives have been undertaken by planting Bamboo plants along the banks of the drains as the bamboo plants act as natural barrier and prevent damage to the banks of drains. A total of 2,50,000 bamboo plants have been planted along the drains. The work of construction of check dams for flood mitigation and around 432 check dams have been constructed on drains/choes.

The Chief Secretary also directed NHAI, Department of Building and Roads and Mandi Board to remove likely obstructions to flood waters so that there will be no hindrance to flow of water. The NHAI has ensured that the cleaning of drains will be done before onset of monsoon.
(editor@dailyworld.in)