Situation under control, no need to panic, says DC

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, September 24

In view of continuous downpour for the past couple of days, the district administration claimed to have taken requisite measures to tackle any untoward situation.

Flood control rooms have been set up at the district headquarters as well as in all sub-division of the district.

Deputy Commissioner Pradeep Kumar Agrawal has appealed to residents not to panic. He said the situation was completely under control and all officials concerned have been monitoring the Dhussi Bandh 24X7.

The DC said no government official would proceed on leave or leave station for the next 48 hours till further orders. He said the Punjab Government had already issued a red alert in all districts of the state.

“We have been asked to remain on constant vigil and the disaster control rooms have been activated. All government officials as well as the Indian Army have been asked to remain on standby,” he said.

Hotspots identified

Agrawal said hotspots have been identified with clear evacuation and relief plans ready. Equipment to drain out flood waters has been kept handy. The DC had already asked the SDMs to make adequate arrangements to meet any sort of eventuality and sufficient stock of boats, oars, life-saving jackets, motor engines, sandbags, wireless system, manpower, machinery and tarpaulins. He said safe places should also be earmarked where residents of flood-affected areas would be shifted, if required.

Cops told to enhance vigil

He said the Police Department had been asked to increase the vigil in areas falling near drains and canals to alert the administration for the kind of emergency situation in view of a flood-like situation. They have also been asked to prepare a complete list of swimmers and boaters.

The Municipal Corporation Commissioner, Executive Engineer PWD (B&R), Executive Engineer of the Irrigation Department have been asked to ensure that the labour/ beldars under them be put on standby along with the machinery, so that they can be used in case of an emergency.

Secretary of Transport Department has been asked to ensure that vehicles/ trucks/ trolleys/ recovery vans are arranged in advance, so that they can be used when required.

Floodlights to be kept in stock

The District Mandi Officer Ludhiana has been asked to ensure that all floodlights, used in Mandis, are kept in stock and four different teams formed that can be used for the installation of these lights. The MC Commissioner has been asked to ensure that the staff doesn’t get any leave till further orders. Chief Engineer of PSPCL Ludhiana has been directed to form four different teams that can provide temporary connections, if required.

NDRF told to remain on standby

A team of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has also been asked to remain on standby, so that their services can be taken if any situation arises.

Health Dept staff on toes

The Health Department has been asked to remain ready to control the situation if any waterborne disease spreads. Sufficient number of medicines, staff and other facilities must be kept ready. Veterinary officials should also make such arrangements to save the livestock from any kind of disease, he said.

Dept to ensure uninterrupted power supply to hospitals

The DC said the Electricity Department officials have been instructed to ensure uninterrupted power supply to hospitals and officials would not leave their stations without prior permission of their senior officials. All officials in-charge of various departments have been asked to remain in their headquarters and keep their mobile phones on at all hours.

Sub-divisional magistrates, tehsildars and DROs have been asked to ensure that all flood control rooms in the district are in working condition and officials on duty are present round the clock. The official on duty cannot leave the room unless the other person on duty assumes charge.