Technical teams formed to check structural damage in villages: Amritsar DC

Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Magistrate Sakshi Sawhney on Tuesday said as the water level has receded at some places in flood-affected villages in Ajnala constituency, houses and government buildings in those villages are to be inspected for any structural damage. The DC announced that teams will be constituted for any risk evaluation and assessment of structural damage to these homes before the inhabitants are sent back to their respective homes. “It is significant to do so that any risks can be identified and those buildings can be repaired to avoid any mishaps or accidents later,” she said.

She directed the engineers of the Public Works Department to immediately form technical teams so that any unfortunate incident due to weak or broken/damaged structures can be prevented in the aftermath of floods. The DC also directed that action in this regard should be taken on a priority basis and a report submitted to this office.

Giving more information in this regard, Sawhney said in view of the decline in the water level in the flood-affected villages, the safety and structural stability of residential/government, school buildings, government hospitals have to be ensured. She said immediate action should be taken to repair the buildings which have suffered major damage and which are to be repaired.

Meanwhile, DEO Rajesh Sharma said all officials are on ground, keeping in view that schools are still closed and it is likely that school holidays will be extended. “The situation on ground is still quite grim and the rain continues. We are keeping a close check on the situation, most likely the schools would remain closed as flood waters are still at dangerous levels,” he said.

Meanwhile, DEO is considering that once schools reopen, students from flood affected areas can attend classes at nearest schools wherever they are placed after evacuation. Several families have sought shelter at their relatives homes after being evacuated from affected areas and given the large scale destruction, it will take several days for local schools to reopen and function in full capacity.

The District Education office is also taking a strict note of any violations by schools regarding closing offline classes as ordered by Education Minister Harjot Bains. “Until further notice, all schools are to remain closed till September 3. We have issued violation notices to three to four private schools,” said Rajesh Sharma.