Punjab Governor visits Harike headworks, reviews flood situation, convenes meeting

Governor of Punjab, Gulab Chand Kataria, visited the Harike head-works on Tuesday to take stock of the flood-affected areas and called upon officials to cooperate with each other to minimise losses at the time of this natural calamity. Harike is the point where there is a confluence of the rivers Beas and Sutlej.

The Governor addressed a meeting of civil, police and BSF officials at the local District Administrative Complex and stressed on minimising losses incurred at the time of mishap. Cabinet Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar too was present in the meeting.

The Governor was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Rahul, Senior Superintendent of Police Deepak Pareek and other officials.

Deputy Commissioner Rahul informed the Governor about the release of river water downstream of Harike head-works.

The villages downstream of Harike are among the worst affected and there was heavy erosion on the banks of the Sutlej.

Deputy Commissioner Rahul informed the Governor and said that there were a total of 66 villages that were affected by the floods. About 28,000 acres of crop had been submerged and 21 relief camps have been set up to be used in time of need, the DC said.

The Governor was also informed that the administration has procured jumbo bags, boats, ration and other items to be used when needed. The Governor stressed on making all efforts to minimise the loss of human lives and livestock. The Governor also stressed on strengthening the embankments at weak pints. The DC said that with the cooperation of the residents of the area, farmers, NREGA workers and followers of religious sects, the strengthening of embankments was going on.