Patiala Deputy Commissioner reviews flood preparedness measures
Patiala, July 10:
In view of the ongoing monsoon season, the Patiala District Administration reviewed comprehensive preparedness measures to effectively tackle any potential flood situation. Deputy Commissioner Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal assessed the flood preparedness strategy formulated by the Drainage Department and other concerned departments for vulnerable areas of the district. Reviewing the preparedness of all departments, he directed the Municipal Corporation, all SDMs and MC Executive Officers to ensure that all machinery and equipment remain fully operational in their respective jurisdictions. He asserted that no laxity in flood protection works would be tolerated. He further stated that he, along with other senior officers, would conduct surprise inspections and any negligence would invite strict action.
Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal expressed dissatisfaction over the ground-level preparedness of the Drainage Department and instructed officials to ensure that there is no slackness in flood protection works. He said an audit of the cleaning and desilting works of drains, rivers and water channels would be carried out. The department informed that cleaning of the Badi Nadi has been completed and arrangements are in place to promptly remove aquatic weeds and other obstructions carried by floodwaters.
Executive Engineer of the Drainage Department, Akash Aggarwal, informed the Deputy Commissioner that a large number of empty EC bags had been procured. Required quantities have already been filled with soil and positioned at vulnerable locations along the Ghaggar and other rivers, while additional empty bags have been strategically stocked for immediate use whenever required.
The Deputy Commissioner said that a dedicated WhatsApp number of the District Flood Control Room would soon be released to facilitate prompt response during emergencies. Citizens will be able to report incidents of waterlogging or flooding by sharing photographs, videos and the exact location through WhatsApp.
Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal emphasized that, under the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the district administration would maintain close monitoring of the situation and leave no stone unturned in ensuring the safety of lives and property during the monsoon season. He also appealed to the public not to believe rumours and to rely only on official information issued by the district administration, which remains fully prepared to handle any emergency.
The Deputy Commissioner directed the Municipal Corporation to identify waterlogging hotspots during the current month, prioritise drainage of accumulated water and complete desilting of the sewerage network. He also reviewed the availability of boats, ropes, high-powered torches, emergency food supplies, animal fodder, tarpaulins, medicines and other essential resources, directing all departments to complete the required arrangements and submit compliance reports.
Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal also reviewed flood protection arrangements at Badi Nadi in Patiala; near the Ghaggar at Samana-Patran; Pachhidra-SYL at Badshahpur (Rajpura); Sarala Khurd (Sarala Siphon, Ghaggar, Ghanaur); Rohar Jagir; Mohalgarh; and Bibipur. He reviewed the major structural works being executed by the Drainage Department and directed that all remaining works must be completed within 15 days, failing which strict action would be initiated against the concerned officials.
The Drainage Department informed that protective stud works using boulder stones have been executed at Badshahpur to prevent erosion by the Ghaggar River, while a permanent revetment wall has been constructed along the Ghaggar embankment at Marhu. Bed bar and revetment repairs have also been completed at Sirkapra.
To prevent floodwaters from entering residential areas and agricultural fields, the right embankments of the Ghaggar River have been strengthened at Harchandpura and Badshahpur villages. Similarly, EC bags have been used near Sarala Head to strengthen the embankments and prevent erosion, thereby protecting Sarala Kalan village and the adjoining canal.
To safeguard against reverse flow from the Tangri River, works have been carried out at Rohar Jagir Drain near Rohar Jagir and at Ganeshpur, including installation of mechanical gates and channelisation of the Tangri River at various locations to protect nearby roads, villages and agricultural land.
Additional Municipal Commissioner Simarpreet Kaur, all SDMs, DRO Divya Singla and officers of various departments were present during the meeting.
