CM Mann, Seechewal review flood protection works

Chandigarh: Ahead of the monsoon, chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday directed deputy commissioners to complete all flood protection works within the stipulated timeline, warning of personal accountability for any lapses.Mann ordered urgent desilting of drains and vulnerable points, fast-tracking of anti-pollution measures, and completion of pending infrastructure projects as the state steps up efforts to prevent floods and strengthen water management before the rains.Emphasising strict implementation of the master plan for flood protection, Mann said drainage and river plans must be prepared in coordination with engineers of the irrigation department to ensure regular desilting, cleaning, and strengthening of protective structures. "This will be instrumental in safeguarding people from the wrath of floods during the monsoon. Every officer will be personally accountable for this work," he said.He specifically directed early desilting near the Gidderpindi railway bridge and other flood-prone locations to avert any flood-like situation.On the cleaning of Buddha Nullah, Mann said, "The water of Buddha Nullah has been cleaned up to the starting point of Ludhiana city, and cleaning work beyond this point is ongoing. Cow dung waste from dairies into Nullah should be checked with a heavy hand."Reviewing pending infrastructure works, he said, "The CBG (compressed biogas) plant at Hebowal should be made operational at the earliest. The proposal for allotting 2.5 acres land for the proposed CBG plant at Tajpur should be finalised within one week. Industrial effluents must be properly treated, and necessary action shall be taken by the pollution board in this regard."Balbir Singh Seechewal, AAP's lone Rajya Sabha MP after seven MPs defected to the BJP, also attended the meeting. In a post on X, Mann said, "A special meeting was held on Saturday with the commissioners and deputy commissioners of Jalandhar and Ludhiana, in the presence of Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal, regarding the cleaning of Ludhiana's Buddha Nallah, Kala Sanghian Drain, and Dhussi Bundh along the Satluj."