Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Thursday expressed concerns over the breach of a branch of Munak Canal and instructed the Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar to take the matter up with state Water Minister Atishi and Flood Control Department Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj.
A letter by the Principal Secretary to the LG stated, “LG has taken serious note of the matter and has advised the Chief Secretary to take the matter with Minister (Water) and Minister (Flood Control Department), GNCTD so as to ensure that the matter is taken up with the Haryana Authorities at the appropriate level and this channel is restored, repaired and maintained at the earliest.” The un-lined segment of the canal should also be taken up for lining on priority, to avoid breaches and water losses, it read.
The letter also stated that there has been a massive breach in the Career Lined Channel (CLC) branch of Munak Canal, well within the boundary of Delhi.
“Water in huge volume flowing out from the breached Canal has caused flooding and inundated several residential areas in the locality as also the JJ Cluster in Bawana, impacting thousands of households, displacing families and creating general havoc.”
Expressing concern over the water disruption, the letter stated that the CLC canal is the only source of water supply to Dwarka water treatment plant and its rupture is bound to cause disruption in water supply to that area.
The LG issued directions to different departments and stated, “the breach in the Munak Canal underlines the absence of adequate maintenance of the Canal, which should have been undertaken by Delhi Jal Board (DJB) through Haryana Irrigation Department from time to time.”
He directed the CEO of DJB to immediately reach the spot along with his team of engineers and coordinate with the Government of Haryana authorities to ensure restoration of Munak Canal at the earliest.
“NDRF teams may be immediately asked to evacuate affected people from the area. Irrigation and Flood Control Department to deploy pumps to drain out water at the earliest and provide additional boats to NDRF as required,” Saxena directed.
Saxena advised that the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) provides adequate arrangements for relief and rehabilitation measures and makes available basic minimum services including shelter to the people affected from the flooding caused by the breach.
“Disaster Management Cell of Revenue Department may be advised to provide relief as per norms.
Area District Magistrate to deploy a team of executive magistrates to coordinate relief and rescue operations.
Local public announcements may be made to make people aware of the arrangements,” he stated, directing the health department to ensure that medical teams are in place to address any exigencies and medical emergency.
