Boarding the boat with NDRF officials, the chief minister visited Rara and Fateh Kulla villages and then visited Haler village.
Published Aug 18, 2023 | 2:08 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 18, 2023 | 2:08 PM
Bhagwant Mann visiting flood affected areas with officials. (Supplied)
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday, 18 August, toured flood-affected areas in the Hoshiarpur district in a boat to take stock of the situation.
Boarding the boat with National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) officials, the chief minister visited Rara and Fateh Kulla villages and then visited Haler village.
He asked the officers to ensure the evacuation of the people in low-lying areas to safe places.
“Every life is precious for the government and no stone should be left unturned for bailing the people in this hour of crisis. The government machinery, including a helicopter of the government, is at the disposal of people in the hour of crisis,” said Mann.
He said that even though no rain had taken place in the state, the downpour in the hill state of Himachal Pradesh caused the flood in these areas.
He added that he was constantly in touch with the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) authorities and the Himachal government to assess the situation.
The chief minister said the havoc has been caused in the district due to the release of excess water from the Pong dam.
He said even though the dam was above the danger mark by six feet, there was nothing to worry about as in the past it had risen 10 feet above the danger level.
Mann said the water was being released in a controlled manner from the dam for the safety of people. Water at the Bhakra dam is below the danger mark.
He said every effort was being made to bail out the people in this hour of crisis adding that people of the state were blessed with an indomitable spirit to fight against the hostile situations.
The chief minister also lauded several philanthropists who were contributing generously to the CM’s relief fund.
He said that several social and religious organisations along with government servants were coming forward to help the people.
The chief minister said the government already ordered a special ‘girdwari’ to ascertain the loss incurred by people due to floods in the state.
“Every loss of crop, cattle, house or anything will be covered in the special girdawari to fully compensate the people for their loss. There is no need for people to panic as the state government is there to bail out the people,” he said.
“I have asked the officers to share the information regarding water level regularly with people to avoid any confusion”, said Mann.
