Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today asked the state irrigation department to gear up its activities in tandem with the local administration of all the districts especially Amritsar and Gurdaspur to tackle any eventuality, arising out of heavy rains in the upper reaches, with huge inflow of water in reservoirs of Pong, Bhakhra and Ranjit Sagar Dam besides several other parts across the state.
Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that, Mr. Badal had been keeping a close tab on the situation and directed the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) of the districts along the river Satluj, Ravi and Beas to be extra vigilant around the clock to prevent any loss of human life and cattle besides damage to the property. He also asked the DCs to keep special medical and veterinary teams with abundant supply of medicine in position so that they could be pressed into service instantly in the water logged areas, as warranted by the circumstances.
The Chief Minister was apprised that people in Ghaniye Ki Bet across river Ravi had been evacuated by administration to safer places on Saturday evening. Sufficient boats and other logistics were available with the district administration to cope up with any emergent situation arising out of incessant rain in the region. Some portion of the advance bundh at Shahpur village on river Ravi in Ajnala Sub-pision of Amritsar district that was damaged has been effectively plugged by the district administration and irrigation department.
A joint operation by the District administration, Army personnel, Border Security Force (BSF), Punjab Police and Irrigation department was in full swing to strengthen the embankment of advance bundh. The Chief Minister has deputed the Principal Secretary Irrigation along with Chief Engineer Canals and Drainage to tour the vulnerable areas for monitoring the situation. The Commissioner of Jalandhar and Ferozepur pisions has also been directed to tour the areas for further intensifying the efforts of the district administration.
A close liaison was being maintained by the Chief Minister’s Office and Irrigation department with the authorities of Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) so that release of water in Satluj, Ravi and Beas could be monitored. The flow of water in river Ravi which was 4.90 lakh cusec on the evening of August 16 has now receded to 3.15 lakh cusec. Sufficient funds had already been placed at the disposal of DCs to handle the situation efficaciously.