Punjab to prepare master plan to tackle flood problem

Anandpur Sahib, Aug 19 (UNI) The Punjab Government would soon prepare a comprehensive Master Plan to tackle the problem of floods through out in the state, Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal said here today.

The chief minister made the announcement while visiting the site of breach of 'Charan Ganga Rivulet' at Anandpur Sahib that had caused an extensive damage to the property and the standing crops in 31 villages.

In view of the gravity of the situation, Mr. Badal personally examined the plugging work of about 70 feet wide breach and directed the Irrigation Department to strengthen the banks of the rivulet from both sides to avoid such type of situation in future.

Mr Badal also visited four flood affected villages Mianpur, Sahota, Nanowal and Lamlehri and listened to the grievances of the people.

While assuring ample compensation to the victims of the unfortunate incident, Mr. Badal said that the orders of special 'Girdawari' (estimation survey) had already been issued and adequate relief money had also been released by the State Government to the District Administration for this purpose.

Mr Badal directed Mr A.K. Sinha, Deputy Commissioner Ropar for early completion of the damage assessments to the public property and disbursement of 100 per cent relief accordingly.

With a view to facilitate the large number of Pilgrims visiting 'Mata Naina Devi Temple' throughout the year, Mr. Badal directed the district administration to prepare a plan to construct the concrete structures with adequate facilities of fresh drinking water, bath-rooms and toilets at different location on the road leading to the Temple.

The funds for this purpose would be released by the state government after receiving its detailed study, Mr Badal added.

The 31 villages namely Sahota, Chak, Nanowal, Mainpur, Lamlehri, Lodhipur, Balowal, Mindwan, Gajpur, Kotla, Bhadhalhethla, Burj, Mehndli, Bal, Mataur, Chinjvi, Agampur, Bikapur, Surewal, Lalpur, Sandoa, Mehana, Khamera, Chandpur, Kiratpur Sahib, Mangewala, Kotwala, Taraf, Aaspur, Majri, Avankot, were declared flood affected by the district administration Earlier, Mr Badal paid obeisance at Takhat Sri Kesgarh Sahib and received Siropa from Bhai Sahib Bhai Jathedar Tarlochan Singh Ji.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by Mr Janmeja Singh Sekhwon, Irrigation Minister Punjab, Mr. Avinesh Rai Khanna, MP, Sant Baba Ajit Singh, MLA from Anandpur Sahib and Ujjagr Singh Vadali, MLA from Morinda.

UNI