Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal on Tuesday asked the State Finance Department to release requisite funds to all Deputy Commissioners to combat any eventuality arising out of the floods in the current monsoon season.
The directions were issued by Badal while presiding over a meeting with the deputy commissioners to review progress of flood protection works at Chief Minister’s Office.
Chief Minister asked the Irrigation Secretary to ensure strengthening of flood protection works at vulnerable sites in consultation with concerned deputy commissioners on priority.
Irrigation Secretary apprised the Chief Minister that there was 43 per cent below normal rain in the state from June 1 to July 7 and the monsoon was likely to be normal between July 13 and 20 July according to the information received from metrological department.
He said that the water level except Ranjit Sagar Dam which was 8.20 feet higher than the last year level, whereas both Bakhra and Pong Dam were 15.97 feet and 20.89 feet below the last year mark of 1626.14 feet and 1335.17 feet respectively.
He also informed Badal that the finance department has already released `45 crore for the flood protection measures.