MP visits flood-hit villages near Sutlej

Ashok Kaura

Phillaur, August 19 

Jalandhar MP Santokh Singh Chaudhary, along with Punjab Congress general secretary Vikramjit Singh, on Sunday visited sensitive villages in the Phillaur Assembly constituency, such as Chhole Bazaar, Mau Sahib, Gandhi Dham, Jhandi Peer and Kadiana near the Sutlej river. They took stock of the situation after the release of excess water from the Bhakra Dam. 

With water being released continuously from the dam after incessant rain filled its reservoir, the Punjab Government has sounded an alert and asked the administration to take all the measures to deal with the situation.

Accompanied by Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee general secretary Vikramjit Singh Chaudhary, Jalandhar ADC Jasbir Singh, Phillaur SDM Rajesh Sharma and Tehsildar Tapan Bhanot, MP Chaudhary inspected the water level in the river and surrounding areas. They met several residents and took their feedback on the situation.

Speaking to mediapersons during their visit, Chaudhary asked residents of the area not to panic and assured them that the government was monitoring the situation round the clock. “The district administration is taking all precautionary steps to tackle a flood-like situation.” The administration had made arrangements for boats, supplies, tents, medicines, etc. “In case people and animals need to be evacuated, the administration has made arrangements for food and shelter,” he said.

The MP informed that the administration had identified 81 villages in the district, which may be affected by the flood. Sixtythree villages were in Shahkot subdivision, 13 in Phillaur subdivision and 5 in Nakodar subdivision. He asked the people to stay vigilant.

“We urged the people to support the administration in its efforts to manage and control the situation and follow all the instructions and advisories issued by them,” said the Congress leaders.

Govt monitoring situation 24X7

Speaking to mediapersons during their visit, Chaudhary asked residents of the area not to panic and assured them that the government was monitoring the situation round the clock. “The district administration is taking all precautionary steps to tackle a flood-like situation.” The administration had made arrangements for boats, supplies, tents, medicines, etc. “In case people and animals need to be evacuated, the administration has made arrangements for food and shelter,” he said.