CHANDIGARH: In the wake of incessant rain across the state, Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann has asked all the cabinet ministers, MLAs and officers to stay put in their respective areas and reach out to people in need.
The chief minister, who is actively overseeing the situation, emphasised on the implementation of a comprehensive flood protection mechanism to safeguard the lives and property of the affected people. He urged the cabinet ministers, MLAs, and officers to be present among the people in their respective areas and promptly provide relief measures. Mann also asked the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSPs) to expedite relief efforts in their respective districts to ensure timely assistance to the affected masses.
The chief minister firmly cautioned against any negligence or indifference in carrying out relief work and reiterated the firm commitment of his government to provide immediate relief and help to the people in this hour of crisis.
Alert issued
Mann informed that an alert has been issued in low-lying areas, particularly those near rivers, and advised people to remain indoors and not to move out unless absolutely necessary. He acknowledged the emergence of a flood-like situation due to continuous rainfall throughout the state but assured that the government is closely monitoring the situation. He said that DCs, SSPs, SDMs and field staff must remain vigilant and do the needful on priority to minimize damage due to excessive water. Mann also asked the officers to ensure that pump houses of water works at all places are protected by putting sandbags around them to prevent submergence of water works.
In response to the chief minister's instructions, the cabinet ministers and MLAs swiftly sprang into action and conducted visits to the low-lying and flood-prone areas to ensure that people are evacuated from these areas to safe positions. They also gave directions to the officers to make concerted efforts for minimising the damage caused due to heavy downpour of water.
Helpline numbers
In each district across the state, the deputy commissioners (DCs) have established flood control rooms to assist the affected population. The contact numbers of these control rooms have been widely disseminated, and officials have been appointed to operate them around the clock, ensuring continuous service to the people. The officials have been instructed to promptly respond to any distress calls received during emergencies, taking immediate action to address the situation.
