Kapurthala DC order 24×7 vigil in catchment areas of Beas & Satluj rivers; rescue operation in full swing

Kapurthala: Deputy Commissioner Capt. Karnail Singh has directed the officials concerned to ensure round-the-clock vigil in flood prone areas on the embankment of river Beas and Satluj amid rising water level.

The teams of Civil and Police administration had started safe evacuation of people stranded in the villages adjacent to dhussi bandh of river Beas falling in Bholath sub division. As many over 450 people were stuck at their homes surrounded by river water in the mand area at Talwandi Kuka, of which over 250 had been brought to safe places by the teams with the help of villagers and local residents.

Deputy Commissioner Capt. Karnail Singh, who is personally monitoring the situation, said that there is no need to be panic but the residents should be vigilant in view of increasing water level. He said the administration had fully geared up for safety of people and their livestock. As the fields submerged under flowing water of Beas river, the teams were constantly working for the safety and security of people, their livestock and households.

Six boats of 88 Armed regiment of Indian Army, Punjab Police, and local residents were bringing people to safe location, said the Deputy Commissioner adding that the District Administration has also urged the NDRF to deploy their team at Talwandi Kuka village, which would be stationed by evening as it had started from Bathinda. Another rescue team of two Mec of Indian Army and 21 Jat Regiment will also be reaching by evening from Ferozepur to start rescue at Kapurthala and Sultanpur Lodhi sub division areas.

Seeking cooperation from villagers in flood prone areas, Capt. Karnail Singh urged the people not to stay in the submerged house. He said that the stranded people should reach at safe places earmarked for them through the boats being engaged for this purpose.

He said primarily the boats were being carried water bottles to provide these to people in crisis besides langar and dry ration is also being provided at village Gurdwara and School. He said the drainage department was also ready with sufficient bag of soil to avert any untoward incident. He said rescue camps had also been setup in the village Gurdwara Sahib and School.

The Deputy Commissioner also took stock of the situation at other villages including Baupur, Dhiwlan, Amritpur, Dera Haripur. He said the situation in Sultanpur Lodhi area was under control so far.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner also deputed Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development) Lakhwinder Singh Randhawa to oversee the rescue and relief operations in Sultanpur Lodhi sub division in any exigency. Similarly, District Development and Panchayats Officer Harjinder Singh Sandhu and Deputy Chief Executive Officer Gurpartap Singh will monitor the situation Bholath and Kapurthala sub divisions respectively.