Punjab's Flood Vigilance: Unwavering Watch Over Rising Waters

Punjab Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal convened a crucial meeting to address the state's flood situation. Officials were urged to maintain round-the-clock vigilance, particularly in vulnerable areas. Immediate relief efforts were directed following rising waters affecting Kapurthala, Hoshiarpur, Gurdaspur, Fazilka, and Ferozepur districts.

Punjab Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal led an urgent review meeting via video conferencing on Tuesday, focusing on the flood situation across the state. Attendees included Deputy Commissioners from districts such as Hoshiarpur, Tarn Taran, Kapurthala, Ferozepur, and Fazilka, alongside senior officers from the Drainage Department. Principal Secretary Krishan Kumar and Chief Engineer Hardeep Singh Mendiratta were also present.

Minister Goyal highlighted the increasing water levels in Punjab's rivers, attributed to continuous rainfall in the upper catchment areas of Himachal Pradesh, and directed officials to maintain relentless vigilance along embankments. He instructed Deputy Commissioners to ensure uninterrupted 24x7 monitoring within their territories, emphasizing the necessity of roster registers for duty allocations without any oversights.

Enhanced monitoring teams supported by field staff are to be stationed at sensitive points to oversee embankments closely. Goyal underscored the importance of sectoral division of flood-prone zones for rapid response and timely interventions. He also stressed the need for preparedness in providing relief, urging the establishment of fully equipped relief camps with provisions such as shelter, food, and medical services for those affected. Maintaining clear communication with the Water Resources Department was deemed essential for orchestrating a well-coordinated response.

In discussions with the Deputy Commissioners, Goyal reiterated the criticality of continuous surveillance and preemptive actions to reduce risks in susceptible areas. On August 17, Goyal had communicated with the Deputies, advising immediate relief and mitigation strategies to protect people, livestock, and assets.

During a media interaction at Punjab Bhawan, Goyal revealed that rising river levels and breaches in farmer-constructed temporary embankments had led to flood conditions in districts like Kapurthala, Hoshiarpur, Gurdaspur, Fazilka, and Ferozepur. He noted that approximately 14,200 acres in Kapurthala, Ferozepur, and Fazilka have faced flooding, affecting both residential and agricultural areas.

(With inputs from agencies.)