Administration on alert over heavy rain forecast for next few days

• DC orders officers not to leave stations
• SDMs and MC Zonal Commissioners to remain in field and check crucial points along Sutlej and Budha Dariya              
• 24 Poclain machines working 24x7 to ensure seamless flow of water on weak points along Budha Dariya

Ludhiana, June 29, 2024: In anticipation of heavy rain over the next few days, the District Administration, led by Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney, is taking measures to protect the lives and property of people in case of flooding. 

Deputy Commissioner Sawhney, who is also holding an additional charge as Ludhiana MC Commissioner, has instructed all Sub Divisional Magistrates (SDMs)/ MC Zonal Commissioners to monitor the low-lying areas along with Sutlej, Budha Dariya and other drains by visiting the field today. 

She stated that all officers will remain present at their stations with their phones switched on round the clock. They are tasked with inspecting crucial points such as Walipur Kalan, Balloke, Tajpur, Dhokka Mohalla, Shivpuri, Madhopuri, New Kundanpuri, Gopal Nagar and others.

Additionally, over 1.5 lakh bags have been procured and around 50,000 sandbags have already been prepared for potential breaches, and all patwaris must remain on the ground to address any emergencies.

The Deputy Commissioner emphasized zero tolerance for any negligence in this work and directed the Block Development and Panchayat Officers (BDPOs) to be fully vigilant in villages and all machinery to be in state of readiness.

The DC informed that to ensure that the water in Budha Dariya flows without any obstruction, a total of 17 poclain machines have been deployed 24x7 along the Budha Dariya by drainage department. These include 4 poclains in Budha Dariya Upstream, 2 poclains in Budha dariya downstream, 2 poclains in bassian drain, 2 poclains in Chachrari drain, 3 poclains in MCM drain, 2 poclains in Lalton-pamal drain and one each at rakh drain and purain drain.

In addition to that, 7 poclain machines, 5 JCBs and 20 tippers have also been deployed by MC along the Budha Dariya. The poclain machines are deployed by MC near Radha Swami Satsang Ghar near Samrala Chowk, opposite Central Jail on Tajpur Road, near Shani Mandir, near Lifeline Pully in Haibowal, between Haibowal Bridge and Balloke Bridge, at Dhoka Mohalla and near Dairy Complex Haibowal.

She said that the Drainage department officials have empaneled ample number of JCB machines in case of any eventuality.

The DC informed that cross drainage works are also being carried out by Punjab Mandi Board officials. She said that the work for laying of culverts is also being carried out in different parts of Ludhiana and in case of flooding, teams have been formed to lay the culverts on the spot as well.

PSPCL was directed to ensure keep their staff on the field to immediately repair the wires/poles especially in low lying areas. The supply must be restored only after situation becomes normal. There must not be any incident of  electrocution otherwise strict action will be taken against negligent.

Strict directions have also been issued to NHAI for clearance of drains under them as well to ensure there is no water accumulation on roads and highways under them.

Later, Deputy Commissioner also visited many points along with Budha Dariya and gave necessary directions to the officials.

Additionally, Sub Divisional Magistrates and MC Zonal Commissioners also visited various flood-prone areas under their jurisdiction following the Deputy Commissioner's directives.

BOX: DC HOLDS MEETING WITH MC OFFICERS:
DC Sakshi Sawhney, who also holds charge of MC Commissioner, also chaired a meeting with senior MC officials including Zonal Commissioners and branch heads, at DC Camp office today. She told them that she will have zero tolerance towards illegal constructions and warned of strict action in case of any complaint. She said that she has always believed in providing fair and transparent administration.

She directed the MC officials to ensure ample number of generators sets, suction pumps, cleaning of road jalis, strengthening of banks of Budha Dariya in MC area on priority basis.

DISTRICT LEVEL CONTROL ROOM SET UP:
Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney also stated that district administration has set up a 24x7 flood control room (161-2433100) in the administrative complex to monitor any kind of flood-like situation in Ludhiana. She said that the duty roster of staff appointed in the control room had also been prepared and in order to effectively monitor the staff of the flood control room, the senior officers of the administration had also been appointed on a rotation basis to check this control room. The control room will function till September 30, 2024.