High alert after incessant rains

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, September 24

In the wake of the rising water level in the rivers of state due to incessant rain, the district administration, led by Deputy Commissioner Varinder Kumar Sharma, today swung into action to safeguard the life and property of people in case of a flood-like situation.

On the directions of the Deputy Commissioner, all Sub Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) constantly kept a tab over the situation by regularly visiting the field.

Sharma asked the officers to keep a regular check over flooding and to ensure that all sewerage treatment plants (STP) were working to their full capacity.

He said all circle revenue officers should remain in field to tackle any sort of emergency.

The Deputy Commissioner categorically said any laxity in this work would not be tolerated at any cost. He also directed the block development and panchayat officers (BDPOs) to be vigilant in villages.

Sharma said arrangements must be made in such a manner that if pumping of water was required, then the BDPOs must get it done at the panchayat level. The Deputy Commissioner said the Drainage Department must ensure adequate number of JCB machines at their disposal for tackling any urgency. Sandbags should also be arranged in a large number to deal with the situation arising out of excess water.

Sharma directed the SDMs to identify rehabilitation centres in areas which were affected by high rain/floods.

Meanwhile, on the directions of Deputy Commissioner, Sub-Divisional Magistrates Paramveer Singh, Varinder Pal Singh Bajwa and Rajeev Verma today visited different flood-prone areas under their jurisdiction. The DC asked the officers to remain at the headquarters and ensure that announcements were made to make people aware.

Be prepared, Army, BSF told

The Deputy Commissioner said the Army and Border Security Force (BSF) had also been kept on a high alert.

The Deputy Commissioner, who visited a flood prone area in the Phillaur sub-division this evening, said due to the flow of water of Sarsa, Siswan and Savaan rivulets, the water level in the Sutlej had enhanced, which could pose danger to low-lying areas along the river in the district.

He said the Army and the BSF authorities had been told about the situation and they had assured full support and cooperation to the district administration in case the need arises. He said he was personally in touch with higher-ups in the Army and the BSF to deal with any emergency situation.

The Deputy Commissioner said due to excessive release of water from Ropar, safe evacuation of people and cattle from low-lying areas was necessary. The excessive water had been released from the swollen Sutlej and it was expected to touch Jalandhar in the night. The district administration was keeping a close watch on the entire situation, adding that they were already geared up to face any unforeseen eventuality arising out of the prevailing circumstances.

He said the SDMs of Phillaur, Nakodar and Shahkot have been put on a high alert and they had been directed to coordinate and oversee the evacuation operations of people residing in low-lying areas. The SDMs had also been entrusted with the task to identify safer places in the district for movement of people.

13 relief centres set up in Nawanshahr

Nawanshahr: Following the red alert due to the incessant rains in the state, Deputy Commissioner Vinay Bublani and SSP Deepak Hilori on Monday visited the Dhussi bandh along the Sutlej to take stock of sensitive sites. Revenue officers were directed to coordinate with the Drainage Department to initiate immediate steps to plug sensitive points at the bandh. Earlier, while presiding over the emergency meeting of officials of the Police, Drainage, Rural Development, Revenue, Health, Animal Husbandry and Food and Civil Supplies departments, the DC ordered to set up as many as 13 relief centres immediately. Employees of the Revenue, Health, Animal Husbandry, Food and Civil Supplies departments have been deputed at the centres.