For a review of measures taken for flood preparedness, a meeting under the Chairmanship of Punjab Chief Secretary Anurag Verma was held on Friday  which was attended by all the Deputy Commissioners of the State along with the senior officers of the Departments concerned.

 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. After taking note of the preparation being done for the flood season, he 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.

The 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.

Verma added that new initiatives have been undertaken by planting Bamboo plants along the banks of the drains as the bamboo plants act as natural barriers 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.

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