Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria Visits Hoshiarpur Flood Areas, Promises Assistance to Affected Families

Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria visited flood-affected areas in Hoshiarpur, assuring support for families impacted by the severe flooding. He inspected relief camps and engaged with residents and volunteers, highlighting the urgent need for assistance during this crisis.

Punjab is grappling with a severe flood crisis, as highlighted by Governor Gulab Chand Kataria during his visit to Tanda. He assured affected families of all possible support. Kataria inspected the Rara bridge and the Dhussi bundh embankment, engaging with farmers about their challenges. He also visited a relief camp at a government school in Miani, interacting with residents and volunteers from NGOs, commending their efforts.

Deputy Commissioner Aashika Jain provided a detailed briefing on the district's flood situation to the governor. Kataria noted that Punjab is experiencing one of its worst flood situations in recent memory. "Even in 2023 we had floods, but this time the situation is more severe," he stated. Heavy rainfall in catchment areas necessitated water releases from Pong, Bhakra, and Ranjit Sagar dams, severely affecting Hoshiarpur.

Flood Management and Relief Efforts

The governor highlighted that dam authorities were compelled to release water but have implemented hourly alerts to warn residents of sudden surges. He personally met with families in relief camps, assuring them of government support. Those in temporary shelters after their homes were flooded are also receiving state assistance. Kataria emphasized that legislators and district administration teams are tirelessly working to provide relief.

The Punjab government and central authorities are coordinating efforts for rescue and relief operations. "The Punjab government's entire team is engaged day and night in rescue and relief work," Kataria said. The Union agriculture minister and central teams are visiting affected areas as well. Proposals for compensation from the district administration will be forwarded to the Union government for approval.

Technical Challenges and Future Measures

Kataria pointed out technical issues like heavy inflows causing soil erosion along the Beas River, leading to significant losses. Poor drainage systems have delayed floodwater recession from villages. Concrete steps will be taken to improve drainage in flood-prone areas. A proposal for stone pitching near the Beas bridge aims to protect the Dhussi bundh from future erosion.

He mentioned that those whose homes have been damaged would be considered under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. Meanwhile, officials reported that Hoshiarpur's overall flood situation remained unchanged since Tuesday. However, Pong Dam's water level rose further on Thursday evening due to heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh's catchment areas.

Current Water Levels and Impact

The dam level reached 1,394.68 feet, surpassing the danger mark of 1,390 feet, with an inflow of 1,07,205 cusecs and an outflow of 99,673 cusecs into the Shah Canal barrage. Five relief camps are operational in the district, sheltering around 1,000 people.

Governor Kataria assured that proposals sent by the district administration for compensation would be forwarded to the Union government for approval. The ongoing coordination between state and central governments aims to address immediate needs while planning long-term solutions for flood management.

With inputs from PTI