Punjab CM reviews flood protection works

Chandigarh, Apr 3 (UNI) Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today directed the state Revenue and Irrigation Departments to chalk out a joint strategy to effectively combat any eventuality on account of floods during the ensuing monsoon season.

While reviewing the flood protection measures taken in the state at a high level meeting held here, Mr Badal asked the state administration to gear up their activities to keep a strict vigil over the situation which seemed to be bit alarming during this year due to the rise of water level in the reservoirs of the Pong and Bhakra dams.

He asked the Irrigation Department to complete their flood protection works before the onset of the monsoon and said that the financial constraint would not hinder the progress of these works.

It was informed in the meeting that the State Government had released Rs 17 crore to undertake flood protection works and desilting of the drains in the state on war footing.

The Chief Minister also monitored the position with regard to the problem of water logging especially in the districts of Muktsar, Ferozepur and Faridkot and asked the Irrigation Department to suggest corrective measures for its permanent solution.

The vulnerable areas should be earmarked for the flood protection works on the priority to save the life and property on account of the damage caused due to floods, he said.

Mr Badal instructed the Deputy Commissioners to personally supervise all these flood protection works so that these could be executed as per the approved design and specifications and must be completed by June 30.

The Chief Minister directed the Deputy Commissioners to accomplish the disbursement of compensation of Rs 70.76 crore to the farmers whose crops had been extensively damaged due to hailstorm and un-seasonal rains in the area of 18.34 lakh acres positively by April 15.

Mr Badal asked the Finance Department to immediately release Rs one crore to the state revenue department for the requisite logistics to effectively control the floods.

The Chief Minister impressed upon the Deputy Commissioners to listen to the grievances of the general public from 1130 hrs to 1330 hrs in their offices at least twice a week to instill a sense of confidence amongst them.

He also advised them to extensively tour in the field to have first hand information about their problems. He directed the officers to strictly supervise the survey for ''atta-dal'' scheme to be completed by May 15.

Mr Badal also asked the Deputy Commissioners to regularly monitor the progress of the disbursement of pensions and ''shagun'' scheme to the eligible beneficiaries.

Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included state Irrigation Minister Janmeja Singh Sekhon and state Revenue Minister Ajit Singh Kohar besides senior officers of the state administration, commissioners and deputy commissioners.

UNI