District Administration and NDRF to Conduct Mock Drill to Tackle Possible Flood Emergency: Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal
Deputy Commissioner of Patiala, Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal, stated that the district administration, in coordination with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), will conduct a mock drill to deal with any possible flood-like emergency situation.
The Deputy Commissioner was reviewing the extensive preparations being made by the district administration in view of the monsoon season to effectively handle any potential flood-like situation. He informed that the mock drill will be conducted at a suitable location near Sarala Head on the Ghaggar River and the Bhakra Canal, so that any shortcomings in the preparations can be identified and rectified in time.
Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal held a meeting with ADC (Urban Development) Navreet Kaur Sekhon, NDRF 7th Battalion Bathinda Sub-Inspector Yetinder Singh, all SDMs, police officials, District Revenue Officer Divya Singla, Executive Engineer of the Drainage Department Akash Aggarwal, and officers of other departments.
The Deputy Commissioner directed the Drainage Department to keep the required machinery deployed round the clock at identified sensitive locations in rivers to remove water hyacinth and other obstructions hindering the flow of water. He reiterated to all departments that if any department requires any equipment, it should place the demand immediately, but if any essential material is found unavailable during a flood-like situation, strict notice will be taken.
Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal said that, as per the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the district administration will closely monitor every situation and will not allow any laxity in ensuring the safety of life and property of people during the monsoon season.
He also reviewed the preparations made by the SDMs and all departments, including the availability of boats, ropes, life jackets, a list of divers, ration supplies, emergency relief centres, and other relief materials. He directed the District Revenue Officer to ensure complete arrangements of motorboats and life jackets for rescuing people trapped during floods, and also to arrange large rafts for rescuing animals.
He further directed that potentially flood-affected areas should be identified in advance and the necessary rescue and relief teams should be kept ready. The officials assured the Deputy Commissioner that all necessary arrangements are being completed as per his directions.
