Fear comes flooded

Khanna: Incessant rain brought miseries to Khanna residents, as most of the roads were flooded.  People in GTB Nagar, Godown Road, Nandi Colony were affected apart from those in the main GTB market. Areas where there is no sewerage were the worst hit. Residents, mostly school going children, had to face difficulties to reach their destinations. Several other areas including main bazar Khanna, Peerkhana Road, Devi Dwala Mandir, Books Market among others remained flooded. Tejinder Singh, a social activist along with others, alleged that they were struggling for sewerage for the past several years, but no one was listening to their grievances. He demanded that the Khanna Municipal Council make arrangements for the passage of rainwater from low-lying areas after rains. He declared that their struggle for sewerage would continue till their demands were met. Executive Officer Khanna Ranvir Singh claimed that their arrangements were proper, but the water was flowing in the city due to heavy rains. He said all three disposal teams were working round-the-clock to remove water from low-lying areas. — Gurminder Singh Grewal

Trees uprooted, wall collapses 

Ludhiana: Two trees were uprooted in different parts of the city on Monday, while a few cars were damaged after a wall collapsed near Pink Flats on Pakhowal Road, Ludhiana.  Harsh Kumar, who runs a studio in the area, said a tree fell in the afternoon, due to which the wall collapsed. He said a few cars also got damaged, while no casualty was reported. The cars were parked along the wall. Later, the tree was lifted with the help of a machine, he said. In the evening, a big tree got uprooted near Lions Club, Ludhiana, near PAU gate number 4. ACP Traffic Gurdev Singh said he immediately reached the spot and diverted the traffic, as electricity wires also got damaged in the incident. No casualty was reported, he said. The MC staff came in action to lift the tree, while the PSPCL officials reached the spot to repair the damaged wires, the ACP said.— TNS

Doraha police hold emergency meeting

Doraha: With the water flow at Sutlej Pull border between Khanna and Nawanshahr getting stronger and the Bhakra-Beas Management Board, Hoshiarpur, issuing a flood warning, the Doraha police, on the direction of SSP Khanna, have immediately swung into action and called an emergency meeting with the members of all organisations and associations of Doraha. SHO Doraha Hardip Singh Cheema said: “I called a meeting with all organisations and NGOs of Doraha and discussed the urgency of the situation with them. We have sought their help in rescuing families caught up in rain and those who are poor and helpless. In case of an emergency, we have shared our contacts with them and taken their contacts as well, so that no time gets wasted in case of any adverse situation.” The SHO later met Army officers at Army Camp Doraha to discuss the situation arising out of heavy rainfall. The officers came forward in providing assistance to the public and providing two boats and 350 life jackets. “Two teams are ready already at the Army camp. So, if a situation arises, it can be handled and brought under control without creating any panic or threatening anyone’s life,” the SHO said. —Lovleen Bains 

Khanna SSP visits Dhulewal village

Khanna: Khanna SSP Dhruv Dahiya (in pic) visited Dhulewal village and inspected the water level of the Sutlej along with other officials of Khanna police district. The SSP said the water-level and flow had increased near Dhulewal village. He said additional police force has been sent to Machhiwara police station from Khanna to check and rehabilitate border villages. He said in case of any problem regarding the rain/flood, a Police Control Room had been set up and one can contact on 100, 112 and 95929-14053, SHO/City-2, Khanna - 95929-14037 and SSP/Khanna 97179-17789. Meanwhile, heavy rains have caused immense damage to standing crops near Machhiwara and more damage is expected in case the rain continues in the area. SSP Khanna Dhruv Dahiya has issued instructions to the SHOs to arrange safety equipment including safety boats (5), safety jackets/tubes, ropes, dragon lights and divers among other things for the night. “Early night nakas should be imposed and the police officials have been asked to communicate with the Army and prepare them mentally, so that they may be in a situation to assist the public if need be,” the SSP said. — Gurminder Singh Grewal