CHANDIGARH: Punjab Water Resources Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal, on Tuesday, presided over a comprehensive video conferencing meeting to review the ongoing flood situation across affected districts in the state. The high-level meeting included Deputy Commissioners of Hoshiarpur, Tarn Taran, Kapurthala, Ferozepur and Fazilka districts along with all Executive Engineers (XENs) and Superintending Engineers (SEs) of the Drainage Department. The Cabinet Minister was accompanied by Principal Secretary Sh. Krishan Kumar and Chief Engineer (Drainage) S. Hardeep Singh Mendiratta.
During the detailed review meeting, Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal directed to maintaining uncompromising vigilance along all rivers' embankments round-the-clock. He said that continuous rainfall in the upper catchment areas of neighbouring Himachal Pradesh has resulted in elevated water levels across Punjab's river systems, necessitating heightened alert measures.
The Water Resources Minister issued categorical directions to all Deputy Commissioners to ensure strict 24×7 surveillance along rivers' embankments within their respective jurisdictions. He specifically instructed that roster registers for duty assignments must be meticulously maintained and strictly followed without any deviation to guarantee seamless monitoring operations.
During the comprehensive review, the Cabinet Minister was briefed about the current status of flood-affected areas by the Deputy Commissioners.
Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal directed the deployment of robust monitoring teams comprising field staff stationed at strategic locations along vulnerable stretches. He said that systematic sector-wise division of the entire flood-prone region would facilitate immediate response mechanisms and timely intervention measures.
The Minister reiterated instructions for adequate relief camps equipped with essential facilities including shelter, food distribution and medical assistance for displaced populations. He directed continuous assessment of the evolving situation and prompt implementation of preventive measures.
The Cabinet Minister gave clear directives for maintaining constant communication channels between district administrations and the Water Resources Department to ensure coordinated response efforts across all affected regions.