Chandigarh, August 2: The Irrigation Department got only Rs 40 crore this year against the estimated expenditure of Rs 350 crore on its preparedness for the rains. It is another matter that the state has so far not received enough rain that creates an emergency situation. But with the Met Department predicting heavy rain across the state this week, things may get worse as many susceptible points have been left unguarded due to lack of funds.The department in its Flood Preparedness Memorandum-2017’ had sought at least Rs 350 crore.
It has already spent Rs 30 crore on strengthening vulnerable points in the water distribution system — canals, rivers and drains.Karan Bir Singh Sidhu, Special Chief Secretary (Revenue and Irrigation), said: “Besides strengthening the flood-prone irrigation channels, we have kept an amount of Rs 10 lakh each at the disposal of all deputy commissioners for emergency expenditure in case of floods. The amount could be enhanced if required.”In addition to a control room set up in collaboration with the Irrigation Department, the state’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is getting regular updates from all sources, particularly the DCs concerned and the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB).The Chandigarh Metrological Centre has issued a warning of “very heavy rainfall” at isolated places in Punjab over the next 24 hours. Surinder Paul, centre’s Director, said warning had been especially issued for districts like Gurdaspur and Pathankot.In a weather forecasting bulletin for the entire state, the centre has said light to moderate rain/ thundershowers are likely at most places during the next 36 hours and at a few places thereafter.Besides the NDMA, the exercise for the flood preparedness is being looked after by the Chief Minister’s office.
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