Haryana Assembly Speaker, Harvinder Kalyan on Wednesday inspected ongoing flood protection works along the Yamuna River in Kunda Kalan village and directed officials to complete the projects within the stipulated time while maintaining high construction quality.
During his visit, Kalyan reviewed the construction of five stone studs being built over a stretch of 1,250 feet, at a cost of Rs 1.73 crore, to prevent soil erosion and flood damage in the area.
He instructed officials not to compromise on the quality of construction material and to immediately rectify any shortcomings noticed during the work. He also asked the authorities to consider suggestions from local residents regarding flood control measures.
Officials of the Irrigation Department informed the Speaker that, as per decisions taken in the meeting of the Haryana State Drought Relief and Flood Control Board, flood protection works are currently under way at ten locations in the Yamuna belt, from Shergarh Tapu to Sadarpur. In the Indri Assembly constituency, projects worth Rs 8.95 crore are in progress, while works costing Rs 15.25 crore are being carried out in the Gharaunda area.
The Superintending Engineer (SE) of Irrigation Department, Sanjay Rahar said that apart from the construction of five new stone studs in Kunda Kalan, revetment work over a 250-foot stretch is also under way. Stones for the project are being supplied from Dadri and the work is expected to be completed within the prescribed deadline.
“Every year during the monsoon season, the strong flow of the Yamuna causes land erosion at several places and often creates flood-like situations. In view of changing climate conditions, there is a need to remain alert, so the government is serious about preventing damage to crops, property and human life due to flood,” said Kalyan.
He further said that new studs are being constructed and old ones are getting repaired as per requirement. Flood prevention works worth nearly Rs 35 crore, including installation of studs and cleaning of drains, are in progress in villages situated along the Yamuna. In the Gharaunda Assembly constituency alone, works worth Rs 25 crore are being undertaken at six locations by different departments.
He expressed satisfaction over the pace of work and said that most projects would be completed by the end of May, while the remaining five to seven per cent of work would be finished by June 15.
Later, responding to a question asked by media regarding the rising prices of petrol and diesel, Kalyan said that several issues are global in nature. Referring to the Covid-19 pandemic and ongoing international conflicts affecting oil-producing nations, he said the disruption in oil supply has impacted fuel prices worldwide. He urged citizens to support PM Modi by conserving fuel and reducing unnecessary travel, adding that this was not the time for politics over fuel price hikes.
