Ghaggar River Situation Under Control, No Need to Panic: Finance Minister Cheema

Sangrur (The Uttam Hindu): Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, while addressing the media after holding a meeting with officials of various departments at the District Administrative Complex in view of the situation arising from heavy rainfall, said that the situation regarding the Ghaggar River in the district is fully under control. At present, the water level in the Ghaggar is 744.3 feet, while the danger mark is at 748 feet. The reassuring fact is that the inflow of water into the Ghaggar has already decreased, and within the next 20 hours the level is expected to fall further. Therefore, there is no need for people to panic.

Mr. Cheema informed that district administration teams are actively working in the villages of Satauj, Hariau, Daska, and Sangatpura, which have been affected by heavy rainfall. He assured that compensation will be provided to the affected people on the basis of special girdawari. The process in this regard is being carried out under the supervision of the Deputy Commissioner. He added that out of the 18 breaches in drains and rivulets caused by this natural calamity, 12 have already been plugged and work on the remaining ones is progressing on a war footing.

The Punjab Government had released about ₹3.73 crore for the cleaning of drainage systems, and the desilting work was completed by June. However, due to excessive rainfall in the hilly states and heavy local downpours, weeds and silt accumulated in the drainage channels of the plains, creating difficulties. To address this, machines are operating continuously, and cleaning work is being carried out on a war footing.

Earlier, during the meeting with officials, Mr. Cheema reviewed the current situation and directed that strict action, as per rules, be taken against officers who had shown negligence in the strengthening and cleaning of water resources and drainage systems. He instructed all officers to visit the field regularly and closely monitor the situation. He also reviewed the condition of rain-affected schools, health institutions, and other government buildings, and issued necessary directions to the concerned officials.

The Cabinet Minister further instructed that all future development works related to basic infrastructure must include proper arrangements for water drainage. 

Mr. Cheema directed health department officials to send special medical mobile vans to the affected villages, so that people do not face health-related issues. He assured that the Punjab Government firmly stands with its people, and every possible effort is being made to address their difficulties. District administration teams are continuously working on the ground.

He also appealed to the people to extend full cooperation to the administration in relief operations. Referring to the ongoing strike of sewerage workers, Mr. Cheema said that talks with them are in progress, while emergency services remain functional.

On this occasion, local MLA Mrs. Narinder Kaur Bharaj, Deputy Commissioner Rahul Chaba, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development) Sukhchain Singh, OSD to the Cabinet Minister Tapinder Singh Sohi, SDM Sangrur Charanjot Singh Walia, SDM Dirba Rajesh Sharma, along with officers from various departments, were present.