-Patiala Fully Safe, All Precautionary Measures in Place: Health Minister
Patiala, September 3:
Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh today inspected flood prevention arrangements at Badi Nadi, covering Rajpura Road Bridge, Hira Bagh, Kabadi Market, Daulatpur, and Falauli. He was joined by Senior Deputy Mayor Harinder Kohli, area councillor Kulwant Singh Lalka, ADC Navreet Kaur Sekhon, ACA PDA Jashanpreet Kaur Gill, and senior officials.
Reassuring residents of Patiala city, Urban Estate, and colonies affected by last year’s floods, Dr. Balbir Singh said there is no danger of flooding this year as the causes of the 2023 floods have been addressed. The embankment near Falauli has been filled, and the Minister himself has conducted multiple inspections. Locals have expressed satisfaction with the preventive works.
He informed that the water level in Badi Nadi is currently below four feet and well under the danger mark, even though rivers such as Ghaggar, Tangri, and Markanda are flowing full due to heavy rains in the hilly areas. “Residents must not panic. All precautionary measures have been taken, and we are fully alert,” he said.
The Minister added that close coordination is being maintained with the Deputy Commissioners of Patiala, Mohali, and Fatehgarh Sahib, as well as with the Chandigarh Administration. Round-the-clock monitoring of rivers and drains is underway, emergency response teams are in place, and the Flood Control Room numbers 0175-2350550 and 2358550 are operational 24×7.
Dr. Balbir Singh further said that under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government has ensured robust arrangements. Local residents appreciated the strengthening of embankments and the Minister’s regular on-site reviews, which they said boosted their confidence.
