SAS NAGAR/ROPAR: Swinging into action to take stock of the relief and rescue measures going on at the grass root level, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday conducted a whirlwind tour of the rain affected areas and interacted with the people evacuated from low lying areas in the aftermath of heavy downpour of rain.
The Chief Minister, who visited the Rain Basera in Phase VI, Jamuna Apartments Kharar, Kajauli, Boothgarh and others, said that unlike his predecessors he is not making rounds on helicopter for cosmetic assessment of the situation but he is in the field to take stock of the real condition at the ground level. He said that the situation is alarming but still the state government is making every effort to minimise the loss of people. Bhagwant Mann said that teams of NDRF have been roped in for rescue work but Army has not been yet pressed in officially for this work.
The Chief Minister said that he had a word with the Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday during which he apprised him about the entire situation in the state. He said that as of now central assistance is not required for relief and rescue work as the situation is under control. However, Bhagwant Mann said that if need arises then help will be sought from the Union government to tackle the situation.
The Chief Minister also said that a special girdawari will be conducted to ascertain the loss of crops, houses and others due to heavy rainfall in the state. He said that detailed instructions will be issued to the Deputy Commissioners to immediately carry out girdawari in the areas lashed by rains to ascertain damage caused to crops, houses, animals and others on priority. Bhagwant Mann assured the people that the government is committed to safeguarding their interests against nature’s fury.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister said that people should not get panic as the state government is there to serve them by keeping a regular tab on the situation arising in the aftermath of the incessant rains across the state. He said that it is a natural calamity and will be combated well with the fulsome support and cooperation of one and all adding that the state government is with the people of Punjab in this hour of crisis and no stone will be left unturned for bailing out the people from this situation. Bhagwant Mann appealed to the people to not worry about anything as the state government is already making concerted efforts to normalise the situation.
The Chief Minister said that he is personally reviewing the situation every minute and from every corner of the state. He said that heavy downpour of water is beyond the control of any individual but every effort is being made to ensure that people do not face any sort of inconvenience. Bhagwant Mann said that already all the Cabinet Ministers, MLAs and the officers are in their respective areas and reaching out to the needy people in this hour of grave crisis.
The Chief Minister said that an elaborate flood protection mechanism has been put in place to safeguard the life and property of people. He said that Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSPs) are expediting the relief work in their respective districts so as to provide succor to the masses. Bhagwant Mann said that an alert has already been issued in low lying and floor prone areas and help is being provided to the needy people.
The Chief Minister reiterated the firm commitment of his government to provide immediate relief and help to the people in this hour of severe crisis. Bhagwant Mann said that the state government is duty bound to secure the interests of the people in this situation caused due to the heavy downpour of water. He said that the Ministers, MLAs and officers are visiting the low lying and flood prone areas to ensure that people are evacuated from these areas to safe positions.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister said that flood control rooms have been set up in all the districts of the state and numbers have been made public. He said that the officials have been appointed round the clock in these control rooms to serve the people. Bhagwant Mann said that the officials have been directed to ensure immediate action on any sort of distress call by people in case of emergency