Sudden rain takes irrigation dept unawares
The irrigation department has been caught unawares by the sudden arrival of monsoons. Repair and strengthening of river banks was started late due to a delay in release of funds. The department had drawn a deadline expecting that the rainy season would set in in July but the early rains put it in a tizzy. Flood protection works have suddenly picked up pace.
The irrigation department has been caught unawares by the sudden arrival of monsoons. Repair and strengthening of river banks was started late due to a delay in release of funds. The department had drawn a deadline expecting that the rainy season would set in in July but the early rains put it in a tizzy. Flood protection works have suddenly picked up pace.
Funds released are always short of demand and this year was no exception. Hoshiarpur has been allocated Rs 2.44 crore against a demand of Rs 9.41 crore. With the given amount the department has taken up only priority works. Major works are going on in the Bet region bordering the Beas. Drainage department executive engineer VK Gupta said the lining of the river bank was under process at Passi Bet, Mewa Miani and Rara villages.
"Work was delayed in the district as some contractors had filed a writ in the court against the tendering process. Work orders were given on May 25 and we are hopeful that works would be completed in the 45-day time period," Gupta said. He revealed that certain 'choes' had been taken care of with the given funds.
Meanwhile, flood control rooms have been set up in all sub-divisions.
Deputy commissioner Varun Roojam held a meeting with officials concerned on Tuesday and asked them to keep handy flood protection equipment. He revealed that the Bhakra Beas Management Board authorities had been asked to give an alert before releasing excess water into the river.