CM Reviews Ongoing Cleanliness, Repair and Relief Efforts in Flood Affected Towns and Cities

Chandigarh (The Uttam Hindu): Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday reviewed the ongoing cleanliness, relief, and rehabilitation efforts across major towns and cities of the state in the aftermath of the recent floods.

Chairing a virtual meeting with Commissioners of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), the Chief Minister stated that several districts in Punjab have been severely affected by flooding in rivers such as the Ravi, Beas, Satluj, and Ghaggar, along with their tributaries. He further said that numerous towns experienced heavy inundation and waterlogging due to intense rainfall in late August and early September. Given the gravity of the situation, Bhagwant Singh 

Mann emphasized the urgent need to undertake measures related to cleanliness, potable water supply, and preventive health interventions to restore normalcy in the affected urban areas.

Highlighting the accumulation of silt, sand, and other debris in inundated areas, the Chief Minister directed officials to further intensify special cleanliness drive. He instructed ULBs to utilize their existing workforce and also form dedicated teams for this noble cause. Additionally, Bhagwant Singh Mann stressed the importance of massive fogging operations to control the spread of vector-borne diseases.

The Chief Minister also called for an immediate survey of damaged public assets and private properties including houses, shops, and other structures by engineering staff. He directed that the findings be reported to the Deputy Commissioners for onward submission to the state government for appropriate relief and compensation. Further, Bhagwant Singh Mann instructed officials to promptly undertake repair work on water supply schemes, streetlights, sewage treatment plants (STPs), and damaged roads. However, he clarified that full-scale road repairs or pothole filling should begin only after the monsoon season ends.

The Chief Minister asked all ULBs to prepare and prioritize a list of required works, set timelines, and designate responsible officers for each task. Emphasizing transparency, Bhagwant Singh Mann called for judicious use of public funds. He also urged ULBs to engage local youth clubs, NGOs, and social organizations to mobilize community participation in the relief and rehabilitation process.

The Chief Minister directed that Nodal Officers be appointed for various city zones, especially in larger towns, to assist in coordinating relief and restoration activities. He said that names and contact numbers of these Nodal Officers must be shared with residents to facilitate communication and support. Bhagwant Singh Mann also highlighted the importance of involving PESCO ex-servicemen, currently deployed across ULBs, to assist with reporting and verification of ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts.

The Chief Minister categorically stated that Commissioners will be held accountable for all restoration activities in their respective Municipal Corporations. Likewise, the Additional Deputy Commissioners (Urban Development/General) will supervise the reporting of damage and monitor the rehabilitation work undertaken by the Municipal Councils and Nagar Panchayats in their districts. Bhagwant Singh Mann firmly concluded that any form of negligence or laxity in these efforts will not be tolerated.

On the occasion Cabinet Minister Dr Ravjot Singh, Chief Secretary KAP Sinha and others were also present.