The Central Government has provided its approval in principle to Rs 30 crore for flood control works. Stating this, the State Flood Control Minister Satpal Maharaj informed that land loss on the right bank of the Ganga in Haridwar has caused considerable damage to agricultural land. Similarly, the Solani river too has caused water logging in a considerable area in the district.
The Min said this after conducting an aerial suvey of the flood affected areas of Haridwar and Kotdwar on Friday.The Minister informed that dredging will be undertaken on the Solani river. Apart from this water of the Ganga river will be diverted through sluice gates to enable availability of water at Sukrtal Dham in neighbouring Uttar Pradesh. He said that the Central Government has approved Rs 30 crore in principle for flood control works. Maharaj also talked to laksar MlA Sanjay Gupta and Khanpur MlA Pranav Singh ‘Champion’ assuring them that effective measures will be taken to mitigate flood. The Government will also provide all possible assistance to compensate the farmers for the damage they have suffered due to flooding.
Regarding Kotdwar in Pauri district, the Minister said that considerable damage had been suffered there in recent days. The main reason for this is the water gushing down the mountains, fallen trees and debris that also blocked the roads here.
He directed the officials of the irrigation department to prepare a flood prevention mgmt scheme and submit the same to the Centre for financial approval.