Residents living along Sutlej told to move to safer places

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, August 13

In the wake of rise in the water level of the Sutlej due to incessant rain in Himachal Pradesh, Jalandhar Deputy Commissioner (DC) Varinder Kumar Sharma on Monday appealed to people living in low-lying areas along the river in the district to move to safer places.

In an advisory to people, the Deputy Commissioner said due to the flow of water of rivulets Sarsa and Savaan, the water level in the Sutlej had increased, which could pose a danger to the low-lying areas along the river in the district. Hence, safe evacuation of people and cattle was necessary.

He said excessive water had been released from the swollen Sutlej and it was expected to reach Jalandhar around 10 pm.

Sharma said the district administration was keeping a close watch on the entire situation, adding that they were already geared up to face any eventuality arising out of the prevailing circumstances.

He said other officers of the district administration had also been issued necessary instructions to tackle the emergent situation efficaciously.

He said the officials had also been asked to not to leave their headquarters in any case as evacuation from low-lying areas was all the more important to avoid any sort of damage to life and property of people.

However, the Deputy Commissioner appealed to people that there was no need to panic as the district administration was at their disposal.

He said the administration was duty-bound to extend a helping hand to these people, in case of any sort of emergency, adding that he, along with the top brass of the administration, were keeping a regular tab on events unfolding due to a heavy rainfall in the hill state.

Ready to face any eventuality: DC

DC Varinder Kumar Sharma said the administration was keeping a close watch on the situation and they were already geared up to face any eventuality arising out of the prevailing circumstances. He said the SDMs of Phillaur, Nakodar and Shahkot had been put on a high alert and they had been directed to coordinate and oversee evacuation operations of people residing in low-lying areas.