Punjab chief secretary reviews flood situation, says people’s safety is top priority

Chief Secretary Verma said that the civil and police administration of the districts had been promptly deployed in the field, including the deputy commissioners, senior superintendents of police, subdivisional magistrates, Tehsildars, block development and panchayat officers, patwaris besides field officers of respective departments. He said that field officers should maintain constant contact with public representatives and common people. He said that there was no dearth of funds to deal with the situation and that Rs 33.5 crore had been released immediately from the disaster relief fund of the state.

The water resources department gave information about the state of reservoirs. The water level in the Bhakra dam is 1,614.89 ft while its capacity is 1,680 feet. Similarly, the water level in the Pong dam is 1350.63 ft while its capacity is 1,390 feet. The water level in the Ranjit Sagar dam is 1,706.26 ft while the capacity is 1,731.99 ft.

Verma said that priority should be given to the safe evacuation of people from low-lying and flood-prone areas. The food and civil supplies department was asked to prepare food packets if needed. Necessary government funds should be used in coordination with religious and social organisations for this, he added.

He asked the power and telecom department to ensure uninterrupted continuity of its services. The water supply department should also ensure the provision of clean drinking water to the people. The health department should be prepared to fight waterborne diseases.

Verma asked for the immediate release of funds for chlorine tablets. The animal husbandry department was asked to make advance arrangements to protect livestock from diseases.

The deputy commissioners of SAS Nagar, Patiala, Ropar and Sangrur districts said the situation was serious in some places, but the administration was working promptly.

Verma told all the districts that the assistance required should be brought to his notice. The NDRF Fcommandant said that 14 teams of the force were deployed in Punjab. In Rupnagar, four teams are now deployed. Instructions were also given to deploy another team.

Verma also spoke to the commissioners of all the municipal corporations.

The districts of Kapurthala, Tarn Taran and Moga, where the situation is still under control, have been asked to make advance arrangements as the water level in the rivers is rising because of rain in the hilly areas. Continuous communication channels are being maintained with the Army, he said.