Punjab Government Forms Committee for Flood Relief Operations

Formation of High-Powered Committee

Chandigarh, August 29: On Friday, Punjab's Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann announced the establishment of a high-powered committee consisting of three senior state officials to oversee daily relief and rescue efforts in the flood-affected regions.

Commitment to Relief Efforts

During a crucial meeting to assess the flood situation, the Chief Minister emphasized that the committee, which includes senior officials from the Revenue, Water Resources, and Food and Civil Supplies departments, will be permanently stationed in Amritsar and other impacted districts. He instructed Deputy Commissioners and other officials to diligently implement the committee's directives to assist those affected by the floods. Bhagwant Singh Mann reaffirmed the government's dedication to supporting citizens during this crisis, promising that every effort would be made to aid those in need.

On-Ground Operations and Army Involvement

The Chief Minister directed the Chief Secretary to visit the flood-stricken areas to enhance the effectiveness of relief and rescue operations. He stated that the Chief Secretary should tour the affected districts to ensure that the entire government apparatus is mobilized to assist the populace. Bhagwant Singh Mann noted that the heavy influx of water from the hills has wreaked havoc, with the river Ravi recording a discharge of 14.11 lakh cusecs, the highest ever, surpassing the 11.20 lakh cusecs during the severe floods of 1988. The state government has reached out to Haryana and Rajasthan to manage water levels in the rivers.

Deployment of Rescue Teams

The Indian Army has been deployed in five flood-affected districts, conducting rescue operations with advanced equipment. Additionally, 17 teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are actively engaged in relief efforts, rescuing stranded individuals, assessing flood damage, and preventing disease outbreaks in the affected areas.

Comprehensive Relief Measures

Bhagwant Singh Mann highlighted that a robust multi-departmental team is working tirelessly to complete relief and rescue operations. He instructed that breaches along flooded rivers be repaired and medical teams be dispatched to provide preventive care against diseases in every village. The Chief Minister emphasized the need for water sampling, outdoor and indoor spraying, water chlorination, fever surveys, and timely detection of malaria and dengue, along with the distribution of sanitary products and mosquito nets.

Provision of Essential Supplies

He also mentioned that the water supply and sanitation department should deploy water tankers to ensure access to clean drinking water in villages until regular supply is restored. Water testing teams are to monitor water quality to prevent any epidemic outbreaks. Furthermore, dry ration kits, sugar, rice, wheat flour, ghee, and milk powder will be distributed to residents in marooned villages.

Infrastructure Assessment and Medical Support

Efforts to pump out water from inundated villages are underway. The Mandi Board and Public Works Department (B&R) have been tasked with surveying the damage to bridges, roads, and government buildings in affected areas. Medical relief will be provided in relief camps, medical camps, and directly at people's homes, with Mobile Medical Units deployed to ensure quality healthcare.

Community Engagement and Veterinary Support

Dedicated anti-larva teams will be sent to identify dengue larvae in flood-hit villages, and special teams will educate residents on preventing diseases such as malaria, dengue, diarrhea, typhoid, and skin issues, emphasizing the importance of community involvement. Additionally, veterinary teams will be mobilized for the treatment and vaccination of affected livestock, along with providing feed and fodder. A major sanitation initiative will be launched in villages, with fogging teams deployed to combat the spread of waterborne diseases, while sanitary workers and MGNREGA workers will be responsible for thorough village cleaning, including the application of bleaching powder in drains to prevent foul odors and disease outbreaks.

Key Officials Present

Among those present at the meeting were Cabinet Minister Dr. Ravjot, Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, and other officials.