Ahmedgarh admn steps up efforts to prevent flooding

Mahesh Sharma

Mandi Ahmedgarh / Raikot / Payal, July 6

Concerned over residents’ recent fears about recurring episodes of submerging crops and other establishments in previous years, the administration has increased efforts to clean up the water bodies and streamline the flow of rainwater.

Besides taking proactive measures to deal with any adverse incident, government personnel in various departments have launched coordinated campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of being prepared to deal with any unexpected overflow of water from the region’s water bodies.

Officials concerned said that drains, culverts and hume-pipes were being cleaned on a war footing, while capital projects were also being carried out in the region, which has been known as a flood-prone area for decades.

Ahmedgarh SDM Gurmit Kumar Bansal, Payal SDM Charanjit Singh, Assistant Commissioner Ludhiana and Raikot SDM Kritika Goyal and Jagraon SDM Gurbir Singh Kohli have been closely monitoring the flow of water in canals and drains that pass through their respective jurisdictions. The administration has been advised to respond promptly to any reports of water body overflow, including canals, rivers, drains, brooks and village ponds.

Jatin Singla, Executive Engineer of the Punjab Mandikaran Board, stated that a coordinated plan had been launched to minimise the impact of sudden rainwater arrival from adjacent areas by taking organised proactive measures to facilitate water flow in drains and other channels.

“In addition to the clearing of culverts and siphons by our own personnel, we have coordinated with senior functionaries in the Drainage Department and the civic body to ensure that rainwater passages are cleaned before the monsoon arrived in the region,” said Singla.

Executive Magistrate Raikot Vishavjit Singh stated that revenue officials and lambardars have been advised to keep their seniors informed of the necessary steps to be taken to prevent a flood-like situation in their respective beats during the monsoon.

“Having received instruction from the Assistant Commissioner and Raikot SDM Kritika Goyal, we have surveyed the region to take proactive measures ahead of the rains,” said Vishavjit Singh, adding that Kirtikia Goyal checked clearing works at Bassian, Halwara, and Rachhin drains at random on Saturday.