Chief Secretary directs Deputy Commissioners to Prepare for Flood Contingencies

Chandigarh, July 4   On the directions of Bhagwant Singh  Mann, Chief Minister, Punjab,  Anurag Verma, Chief Secretary held a Video conference with all the Deputy Commissioners of the State and directed them to be on their toes during the monsoon season so that the public does not face any inconvenience. Principal Secretary, Water Resources informed that as on date the level of Bhakra Dam is 1590 ft. this is 8 ft lower than the level last year. Similarly, Pong Dam is 30 ft lower and Ranjit Sagar Dam is 34 ft lower than last year.

  Verma stated that this year they were carrying out flood protection works amounting to Rs. 252 crores, which was nearly 1.5 times the average work undertaken in the last two years. . Verma directed the Deputy Commissioners to revisit the vulnerable spots in their districts and ensure the satisfactory completion of flood protection works there.

He directed the Deputy Commissioners to remain in touch with the local population in the villages near the vulnerable points during the entire monsoon season.

     Verma directed the Deputy Commissioners to recheck the cleaning of the sewerage system in the cities. He instructed them to ensure Genset along with de-watering pumps and arrange Generators at Water pumping stations. Verma also instructed them to review the electricity arrangements with PSPCL authorities to minimize electricity disruption during rains.

Principal Secretary Krishan Kumar of Water Resources reported the procurement and placement of approximately 8.5 lakh EC bags at vulnerable points across districts. Deputy Commissioners confirmed readiness with evacuation plans, and all districts have established Flood Control Rooms and identified shelters for humans and animals in emergencies.

Verma assured that the state machinery will operate continuously to prevent public inconvenience during floods.