Flood situation under control in Punjab

Ferozpur, Aug 19 (UNI) The flood situation in Punjab remained under control with water receding in the Sutlej, Beas and Ravi rivers today even as large tracts of agricultural land remained submerged in flood-hit areas of the state.

However despite a fall in the water level of the three major rivers, the vigil along these rivers continued, with army personnel making all efforts to plug the breaches in the 'dhussi bundh' of the Sutlej in Moga, Jalandhar and Ferozpur districts.

The army continued to pull out residents of marooned villages in the three districts and bring them to safer areas where relief camps have been setup.

Meanwhile another death due to drowning in the Sutlej. was confirmed in the Zira sub-division of Ferozpur. The death toll in the floods that hit the state on August 16 has risen to seven.

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Singh Badal accompanied by Chief Secretary Ramesh Inder Singh, Financial Commisisoner Romila Dubey today visited the flood affected villages of Makhu in Ferozpur and Sultanpur Lodhi of Kapurthala district.

The Chief Secretary directed the district officials to depute either a Patwari or Panchayat Secretary in every flood affected village for sending daily reports to the Deputy Commisioners or Additional Deputy Commisioners telling about the needs of the affected people.

Mr Badal assured the administrative officials that whatever funds were required to meet the situation would be made avaliable.

Health Minister Laxmi Kanta Chawla has sanctioned an amount of Rs 1.76 crore to the affected areas for medical relief. She has ordered cancellation of the casual leaves of the doctors and Para Medical staff in the flood prone areas till further orders.

UNI HS RSA BST2014