Haryana Government on Sunday claimed that it is taking all possible steps to rescue 52 residents of village lapra in district Yamunanagar who are stranded on an island in river Yamuna since Sunday morning. At present 3.4 lakh cusecs of water is flowing over the Hathni Kund Barrage.
Haryana Additional Chief Secretary and Financial Commissioner, Revenue and Disaster Management, Krishna Mohan said that there has been no loss of life and property. These 52 persons include 15 children.
Mohan said that while a company of National Disaster Management Authority comprising 50 personnel is already on way to lapra from Gaziabad, adequate number of helicopters at Air Force Stations at Bathinda and Sarsawa are ready to take off any moment. They are equipped with night vision facility and other equipment. However, weather is not permitting the helicopters to fly to lapra at present. Army in Ambala is also on stand by.
Mohan, who is in constant touch with District administration and other concerned authorities, said that meanwhile the district administration has adequate quantity of boats and other equipment for rescue operation, they are yet to bring the stranded persons to the main land as the massive flow of water does not permit them to do so. However, food and necessary items are ready to be served to them soon after they are brought to the main land.
He informed that it was Sunday morning that these farmers who cultivate musk melons and water melons on that island in river Yamuna, had gone there to get the fruits, but suddenly the river got flooded as 4.7 cusecs of water began to flow in it in the morning. 3.4 lakh cusecs of water has crossed Hathnikund Barrage and the water would reach Sonepat. All the district administration enroute including Karnal, Panipat and Sonepat have been alerted and the Revenue Officers and other staff have been deputed.