Punjab CM Advocates Strategic Flood Prevention

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann called for meticulous planning and effective execution of Punjab's flood protection master plan during a high-level meeting held at his official residence on Thursday to review ongoing flood prevention efforts. Mann stressed that the master plan aims to ensure the judicious use of funds and reduce the state's expenditure on compensating flood victims for crop losses and property damage. The Chief Minister highlighted the importance of a coordinated approach with the irrigation department's engineers to manage drains and rivers effectively. This includes regular de-silting, cleaning, and strengthening of flood protection infrastructure to safeguard residents from monsoon-related devastation. Mann directed officials to draft a comprehensive blueprint based on the master plan, emphasizing the need for systematic implementation rather than last-minute measures before the rainy season. He also called for a dedicated allocation in the annual state budget to support these initiatives regularly and sustainably. Furthermore, he urged the development of an actionable plan in consultation with Chief Engineers, focusing on priority tasks within the irrigation department's drainage and canal divisions. In a significant move, the Chief Minister approved approximately ₹116 crore for flood protection and drain cleaning across Punjab's 22 districts. He instructed deputy commissioners to ensure these projects are completed by June 30, ahead of the monsoon season, emphasizing strict adherence to timelines. Mann warned that irrigation department officials found negligent in executing these projects would face personal accountability. Emphasizing effective and strategic use of funds, Mann directed a focus on vulnerable areas and urged officials to inspect newly affected regions from last year's floods, especially those impacted by road construction obstructions. He reiterated that preventing floods and ensuring no part of the state suffers during the monsoon remains a top priority. The meeting was attended by Cabinet Ministers Hardeep Singh Mundian and Barinder Goyal, Chief Secretary K.A.P. Sinha, and other senior officials.