Ahead of the ensuing monsoon season, Deputy Commissioner Varjeet Walia on Friday directed all departments engaged in flood protection works to complete the ongoing projects by June 20, while emphasising that no laxity in preparedness would be tolerated.
Chairing a high-level review meeting on flood preparedness at the District Administrative Complex, the DC conducted a detailed assessment of the progress of various flood management projects being executed across the district. He specifically directed the Drainage and Irrigation Departments to complete the desilting work in the Sutlej River by the stipulated deadline, terming it crucial for ensuring the smooth flow of excess river water during heavy rains.
Walia instructed all Sub-Divisional Magistrates to deploy search and rescue teams by May 31 as a precautionary measure to tackle any emergency arising during the monsoon. He also directed officials to identify and prepare evacuation centres in advance for shifting residents from flood-prone areas whenever required.
Reviewing the district’s emergency inventory, the DC asked departments to procure adequate boats, life jackets, search lights, divers, sandbags, water pumps and fodder to strengthen flood response measures. He further instructed officials associated with flood protection works to install Sachet Apps on their mobile phones for receiving early flood warnings and alerts.
Walia directed field officials to keep public announcement systems ready in flood-prone areas. He also sought reports regarding strengthening of embankments along the Sutlej, especially at Mandala Channa and Gidderpindi, where erosion had occurred during previous floods.
The DC further asked all departments to keep the ‘Flood Protection Action Plan’ and ‘District Disaster Management Plan’ updated and said that coordinated inter-departmental efforts were essential to prevent any flood-like situation. He added that a 24×7 flood control room would also be established to closely monitor the situation throughout the monsoon season.
