Patiala: Punjab education and information & public relations minister Harjot Singh Bains on Friday announced a Rs 52-crore comprehensive flood protection plan for villages along the Satluj and Swan rivers in the Sri Anandpur Sahib constituency. He said the Punjab govt, led by Bhagwant Mann, is working towards permanently securing villages that have historically faced the brunt of floods during the monsoon season.Bains said, “The Bhagwant Mann-led govt has expedited major flood protection infrastructure projects in the region. Works worth Rs 52 crore have already been tendered and commenced, with physical construction set to gather pace within a fortnight. Additionally, the projects estimated at Rs 30 crore are in the pipeline.”Emphasising the urgency, he said, “The safety of our people is non-negotiable. Last year’s floods taught us a hard lesson. We are building robust, long-term protections.”Detailing village-wise works, he said Dasgrain and Mahain will get a Rs 1-crore revetment, while Harsa Bela — which saw Rs 4.5 crore flood protection last year — will receive Rs 9 crore for a 2,200-ft upgraded revetment. Mehndli Kalan will get a new 1,800-ft revetment costing over Rs 8.75 crore, and Agampur a 3,200-ft revetment worth Rs 12 crore to protect the village and bridge approaches. Burj will see a 700-ft revetment worth Rs 7 crore, Ajauli a 700-ft revetment costing Rs 3.5 crore, and Lodhipur a 2,000-ft revetment worth Rs 9 crore.He said, “In addition to these major sites, flood protection works are also underway or approved for Bhalan, Triveni Mandir, Nangran and other villages.”Highlighting the scale, he said, “The projects entail construction of revetments spanning over 11,000-foot. We have already completed significant groundwork and are committed to expanding this further based on local demands.”Reassuring residents ahead of the monsoon season, Bains said, “I am personally monitoring the progress of these projects and I am determined to ensure foolproof flood protection works before the commencement of this monsoon.”MSID:: 128348639 413 |
