Chandigarh/Sultanpur Lodhi-Punjab Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal today said that CM Bhagwant Singh Mann is personally monitoring relief operations in areas affected by rising water levels in rivers and the Punjab Government will provide complete compensation for crop losses and other damages suffered by the people.
He informed that orders have been issued for special girdawari in Sultanpur and Bhulath tehsils for crop compensation.Speaking during his visit to areas affected by rising water levels in the Beas River in villages of Sultanpur Lodhi today, Goyal said that the Mann Government is fully alert and 24-hour monitoring is being maintained on the water situation in dams and rivers.
Answering the queries of media persons, Goyal said that the Punjab Government has assigned the task to eight Cabinet Ministers to monitor relief operations in flood-affected areas, who will visit different districts and directly reach out to the people.
He informed that a comprehensive report has been sought from the Chief Engineer (Drainage) regarding de-silting of the Beas River, which will be implemented after consideration once water levels recede.
Goyal said that the Punjab Government's complete focus is on relocating people to safe places, providing healthcare services, ensuring ration supply and caring for livestock. Affected areas have been divided into sectors for relief work and responsibilities have been assigned to officers, he added.
The Cabinet Minister also distributed dry rations by boat to the affected village of Sangra. During his interaction with affected families, he listened to their challenges and instructed officials to provide all possible assistance to those in need.
Speaking with the people, Goyal said that the Punjab Government under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann is maintaining 24-hour monitoring of the situation.
Responding to a question about flood prevention works, the Cabinet Minister said that the Punjab Government has spent Rs.276 crores on flood prevention measures. Besides this, 4 lakh sand-filled bags have been kept ready at Dhussi bundh for immediate use in any unfavorable situation. He clarified that the Dhussi and Advance bundhs are completely safe and face no threat of any kind.
Goyal also thanked Sant Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal and social service organizations for their ongoing relief work.
Earlier, Goyal reviewed relief operations during a meeting with Deputy Commissioner Amit Kumar Panchal, SSP Gaurav Tura, Chief Engineer Drainage Hardeep Singh Mendiratta and officials from the Drainage Department at the local Rest House.re also present on this occasion.