Punjab to prepare master plan to tackle floods

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

The Chief Minister made the announcement after 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 recurrence.

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 theose affected, Mr Badal said orders for special 'Girdawari' (estimation survey) had already been issued and adequate relief money released by the State Government to the District Administration for the purpose.

Mr Badal directed Mr A K Sinha, Deputy Commissioner, Ropar to expedite damage assessment 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 concrete structures with adequate facilities of fresh drinking water, bath-rooms and toilets at different locations on the road leading to the Temple.

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

As many as 31 villages -- 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. -- have been 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 Irrigation Minister Janmeja Singh Sekhwon, Mr Avinesh Rai Khanna, MP, Sant Baba Ajit Singh, MLA, Anandpur Sahib and Ujjagr Singh Vadali, MLA, Morinda.

UNI