Tackling flood situation: No station leave without prior approval, orders Kapurthala DC

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, July 29

In order to ensure constant vigil during the current Monsoon season, Kapurthala Deputy Commissioner Vishesh Sarangal has ordered all departmental heads to not leave their stations without prior approval in view of possible flood-like situation due to heavy rain in the district. He made it clear that all officers and employees would have to remain present on their stations and no one can leave the station without prior approval from Deputy Commissioner.

Apart from this, a 24-hour centralised flood control room helpline--98823-17651--has been established. DRO Major GP Singh Banipal and SDO Gurcharan singh Pannu from Drainage department have been appointed as nodal officers for flood control to ensure better coordination amongst all departments.

At sub-division level, flood control room numbers 01828-222169 for Sultanpur Lodhi, 01822-271829 for Bhulath and 01824-260794 for Phagwara have been set up.

The Deputy Commissioner also said all officers and employees will keep their mobile numbers active 24 hours so that information can be passed in an easy manner.

Notably, the Deputy Commissioner had reviewed the flood prevention arrangements and relief planning during a meeting with heads of all departments.

He asked the drainage department to give a daily report about the discharge of water from Pong Dam. Besides, SDMs were also asked to set up WhatsApp groups of numberdars and chowkidars of villages falling along the banks of Beas river.  

The Deputy Commissioner also ordered the Punjab Police to install wireless systems in flood sensitive areas so that immediate warnings can be issued if necessary.  

He also asked the Civil Surgeon to form teams of doctors with adequate stock of medicines to facilitate people when and where needed.

Similarly, Animal Husbandry Department has formed 16 teams for supply of green fodder and straw for the animals. NDRF official captain SS Johal assured that the Ludhiana-based unit will provide machinery and human resources if needed in Kapurthala district.

The DC also asked the Deputy Director Sainik Welfare and the Police Department to prepare lists of NGOs, divers and volunteers so that their services can be availed if needed.

With many Kapurthala villages falling in Beas river's catchment area, it renders the district vulnerable during monsoons. While many villages in Kapurthala were affected in the 2019 floods in Punjab, the district administration's present instructions are reportedly precautionary measures being taken to ensure full preparedness amidst the monsoons. While villages on the Lohian to Makkhu village road had been impacted in the 2019 floods, the right hand side of this stretch comprises villages falling in Kapurthala district. 

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