Badal alerts administration following heavy rains in Punjab

Chandigarh, Aug 13 (UNI) Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today issued directions to all Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendents of Police to remain fully prepared to meet any eventuality arising on account of heavy rains in the State in the last 48 hours.

An official spokesman stated here tonight that the Chief Minister issued the directions in a meeting held today to review the situation in the State.

Financial Commissioner Revenue Romila Dubey, Principal Secretary to CM D S Guru, Principal Secretary Irrigation and Power Suresh Kumar, Special Secretary Finance Jaspreet Talwar and other senior State Government officials attended the meeting.

He further stated that, in addition to the funds for flood protection works available with the Irrigation Department, the Chief Minister ordered the Revenue Department to immediately release funds from the Calamity Relief Fund to all districts in order to provide prompt relief to any displaced persons. He also directed the Deputy Commissioners to undertake a Special Girdawari in order to assess the damage caused to crops in the State on this account. The Irrigation Department was directed to immediately plug any breaches that may have occurred due to heavy rains in any drains or canals of the State, he added.

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