What Measures Are Punjab Ministers Taking for Desilting the Satluj River?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Inspection of desilting works by Punjab ministers.
- Deployment of specialized machinery for silt removal.
- Government's commitment to compensate flood-affected families.
- Collaboration with Army and local departments for relief efforts.
- Continuous monitoring and support for rehabilitation initiatives.
Chandigarh, Sep 19 (NationPress) Punjab Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal and Revenue Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian visited the Sasrali Colony in Ludhiana district on Thursday to assess the current desilting efforts in the Satluj river.
During their inspection, the ministers called for the immediate introduction of additional equipment, such as specialized floating excavators, poclains, and JCBs, to hasten the removal of silt and restore the river’s natural flow.
It’s significant to note that the state government has already engaged advanced floating excavators to redirect the river back to its original path.
The ministers instructed the rapid mobilization of all necessary resources and machinery to ensure the swift restoration of the river and to prevent future silt build-up.
They emphasized that all Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, and officials are actively working for the relief and rehabilitation of those affected by flooding. The government remains dedicated to offering timely assistance for resettlement.
They reassured that compensation for all impacted families will be processed within 45 days, mentioning that a special ‘girdawari’ is being conducted urgently to evaluate losses in the affected regions.
Later, Revenue Minister Mundian visited village Sahibana and presented Rs 50,000 from his salary to Balbir Singh for the repair of his flood-damaged roof, additionally announcing more funds for his support.
Water Resources Minister Goyal proceeded to Mandala Chhana village to monitor the reinforcement of the Dhussi Bundh, where extensive relief operations are ongoing with the assistance of the Drainage Department. He was accompanied by Member of Parliament Balbir Singh Seechewal and Additional Deputy Commissioner Jasbir Singh.
The Water Resources Minister stated that to secure this vital bundh along the Satluj, dedicated teams from the Jalandhar administration, Drainage Department, and Army units are working tirelessly under the oversight of Rajya Sabha MP Seechewal. He affirmed that there is no lack of resources as the government has guaranteed a steady supply of materials and manpower.
Praising the unwavering efforts of the administration, Army, SDRF, and volunteers, he mentioned that further strengthening efforts will be initiated once the water levels drop.