The Punjab government will receive support of the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank to realign river streams and courses following the devastation caused by floods.
Chandigarh: The Punjab government has decided to seek support from the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank to canalise all rivers in the state.
Chief minister Amarinder Singh made an announcement in this regard after taking stock of the flood-hit area in Sultanpur Lodhi.
An aerial survey was conducted to assess the damage caused by floods in Sultanpur Lodhi of Kapurthala and Jalandhar areas. Chief minister Amarinder Singh declared a project aimed at realigning river streams and courses. The project will also look at strengthening and widening river embankments.
The overflowing Sutlej led to a breach in the embankment at Sarupwal of Sultanpur Lodhi. As a result, 62 villages were affected. Chief minister Singh promised compensation to the affected farmers. Necessary measures will be taken as the water recedes and a special 'girdawri' meaning crop loss assessment was done, said Singh.
Relief teams have been sent to the affected areas to help flood victims, added Singh.
Each team comprises officials from the health, civil supplies and animal husbandry departments. They will ensure a regular and timely supply of food, medicines and fodder to the affected.
Speaking to media persons in Jalandhar, Singh said that even if the Union government failed to extend its support, the state government would ensure full assistance to the people affected by floods in the state.
The Punjab state had sought a Rs 1,000-crore special package from the Centre for flood-relief works.
Later, Singh inspected the breach in Gidderpindi of Jalandhar that was caused after excess water was released from the Bhakra dam.
The Bhakra, which is usually filled to its permissible storage level of 1,680 feet by September, was overflowing in August, he said.
However, Singh also added that nothing would be allowed to hamper the 550th birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev.
(With PTI inputs)
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