Punjab Government would soon canalise all the rivers of the state with the technical support from the World Bank (WB) and Asian Development Bank (ADB). The announcement was made by the Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh after reviewing the ground situation in the flood-hit villages for the second time this week.
Capt Amarinder, going around the Sarupwal in Sultanpur Lodhi sub-Tehsil where the overflowing river Sutlej led to a breach in Dhusi bund, affecting 62 villages, also promised due compensation to the affected farmers as soon as the water recedes and special girdawari is completed.
Chief Minister, talking to the media after an aerial survey to assess the damage caused by flooding in Sultanpur Lodhi (Kapurthala) and Jalandhar areas, announced a project to realign river streams and courses, besides strengthening and widening of the river embankments for a permanent solution to the problem of floods.
He also announced dedicated village-relief teams in the affected areas. “Each team would comprise officers of Health, Civil Supply and Animal Husbandry departments, and would ensure regular and timely supply of food, medicines and fodder for all affected families,” he said.
The Chief Minister, who earlier on his way to Kapurthala conducted an aerial survey of flood affected areas of Nawanshahr and Ludhiana, told mediapersons in Gidderpindi in Jalandhar district that even if the Central Government fails to extend support, the State would ensure full support to every person affected by the flooding.
Notably, the Chief Minister had written to the Prime Minister a day before, seeking a special flood relief package of Rs 1000 crore for the state.
Capt Amarinder inspected the breach site in Gidderpindi, resulting from release of excess water from Bhakra dam. For the first time, Bhakra, which normally gets filled to its permissible storage level of 1680 feet by September, was overflowing in August, for the first ever time, said the Chief Minister.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister also directed Chief Engineer Drainage, Sanjiv Gupta, not to leave Lohian until the work of plugging the breaches in Shahkot Sub-Division is completed. The Chief Minister also ordered that the transfer of Superintendent Engineer of Drainage Circle, TP Singh. He would be replaced by Manjit Singh.
Capt Amarinder, who is constantly monitoring the flood situation, further ordered the Drainage Department to immediately identify potential breach points and plug those on priority, engaging the Army, NDRF or SDRF, if required.
Capt Amarinder, who had on Monday visited villages of Ropar district, also directed the Deputy Commissioners to keep tight vigil over the situation and maintain close liaison with the Army authorities and immediately apprise them of the nature and quantum of assistance required.
He also asked Commissioner, Jalandhar Division, B Purusartha to coordinate the relief works in Jalandhar and Kapurthala districts.
