EXPEDITE RIVERS’ BREACH PLUGGING WORKS, INSTRUCTS BARINDER KUMAR GOYAL

EXPEDITE RIVERS’ BREACH PLUGGING WORKS, INSTRUCTS BARINDER KUMAR GOYAL

WATER RESOURCES MINISTER REVIEWS ON-GROUND OPERATIONS

DIRECTS MOBILIZATION OF ALL RESOURCES

Chandigarh, September 19:

Punjab Water Resources Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal today directed officials to expedite the plugging of river breaches without any delay.

Chairing an urgent meeting with officials of the Water Resources Department, the Cabinet Minister reviewed the situation and took stock of the ongoing works for plugging embankment breaches and strengthening vulnerable stretches across the state.

The Minister informed that out of the 44 breaches reported so far, a considerable number have already been plugged while the remaining works are progressing on a war footing so that in case large flows of water are witnessed again, the department should be prepared for the event.

He further said that it is crucial that all resources are mobilized for this task and strict monitoring is maintained until completion.

Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal also instructed officials to swiftly complete the ongoing assessment of damages caused to embankments and other departmental properties so that timely restoration can be undertaken. He assured that there is no shortage of funds for these protective measures and reiterated the state government’s commitment to safeguarding lives, agricultural land and infrastructure along the river belts.

Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Principal Secretary Sh. Krishan Kumar, Chief Engineer (Drainage) S. Hardeep Singh Mendiratta, Chief Engineer (Canals) S. Sher Singh, Chief Engineer (Headquarters) S. Jitender Pal Singh, Chief Engineer (Designs) Mr. Vijay Kumar Garg and others.