In view of the monsoon season, the Kumaon DIG Pushkar Singh Sailal has inspected the Gaula river, Kuriya Khatta and Srilanka island here.He directed officials to consider the possibility of landing a helicopter on the island in case of emergency while also assuring the residents of resolving the problems faced here during the rains.
The DIG reached the banks of the Gaula river where representatives of the 42 families living on the Srilanka island were already present. Talking to the villagers about the problems being faced by the locals during the rainy season, Sailal said he would talk to the Kumaon commissioner and the district magistrate on the possibility of erecting a suspension bridge to Srilanka or constructing a helipad on the island. Either of these facilities would prove helpful for assisting the residents of the island in times of emergency.
Talking to the DIG, the villagers elicited facilitation of solar lights and kerosene oil in addition to construction of a permanent embankment in the area so as to do away with the need for constructing temporary embankments repeatedly every year. Responding to the requests of the villagers, the DIG assured them that he would talk to the official concerned to ensure that all possible assistance is provided to the people living in the area. Sailal directed the local police officers to keep an eye on the level of water flowing in the Gaula river during the monsoon.
They were also directed by the DIG to maintain communication with the people living on the banks of the river and those living on the island so that they can be provided swift assistance when required. The DIG told the villagers in case of any problem, they can telephone him directly. During his visit, the DIG was accompanied by the Nainital senior superintendent of police Senthil Akdai Krishna Raj , ASP Yashwant Singh and other police officers.