Chandigarh, 27 April (H.S.): Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday reviewed

the state’s flood preparedness and approved the purchase of advanced amphibious

machines to strengthen Punjab’s flood prevention and relief infrastructure,

asserting that the People’s Government is moving proactively to minimise damage

and protect lives ahead of the monsoon season.

Chairing a high-level meeting, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said,

“In order to carry out flood relief measures further in a smooth and hassle

free manner, consent has been given to purchase amphibious machines for

desilting of rivers and drains effectively.

He emphasised that these machines are capable of operating

even in running water and can carry out deep desilting, making them critical

for both preventive action and emergency response. “These multipurpose machines

can carry on desilting deeply due to which acquiring them is the need of the

hour to carry flood relief operations both in anticipation and in case of

emergency,” he stated, while directing the department to prepare a detailed

blueprint for their procurement.

Referring to global best practices, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann

said, “I had seen the operations of this machine recently during my trip to

Finland where these multipurpose machines are optimally utilized.” He added

that these machines can be effectively deployed for maintenance and cleaning of

rivers, drains, ponds and other water bodies, alongside flood protection works.

“The acquisition of these machines by the state government will go a long way

in mitigating the woes faced by people due to fury of floods,” he noted.

Reviewing ongoing works, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann expressed

satisfaction over the efforts of the Water Resources department. “The works

being carried out across the state to avert floods are in larger public

interest,” he said, adding that drain cleaning is progressing at full pace and

will be completed soon. He further noted that desilting at major flood-prone

sites has already been carried out effectively to prevent potential flooding. On the occasion, Cabinet Ministers Harjot Singh Bains and

Barinder Kumar Goel, Lok Sabha MP Malwinder Singh Kang, Chief Secretary KAP

Sinha and other senior officials were also present.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH