Government fully geared up for flood relief efforts

Patna (ABN) The state government is fully alert to the possibility of floods. In this context, a high-level meeting was held under the chairmanship of Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary to review the flood control works. In which a detailed review of area-wise preparations was taken through video conferencing with the Chief Engineers of Flood Zones. During the review, the Deputy Chief Minister clearly stated that the state has entered the flood season. Therefore, all preparations should be completed in a timely manner to deal with any sudden situation. He said that the approval of anti-erosion works was given at the beginning of the year so that all works could be completed before the flood season starts. Most of the sites have been completed, while the remaining ones have been directed to be completed within a week at any cost.

He directed the officers to ensure regular and effective monitoring of the embankments. From the department's headquarters level, the department's secretary and senior engineers are regularly inspecting the sites and monitoring the current situation. All Chief Engineers should conduct surprise inspections at least twice a week at night to ensure that the concerned engineers and workers are camping on the site, and there is an effective quantity of necessary materials for flood control works at sensitive and highly sensitive locations.

The Deputy Chief Minister directed that the stockpile of necessary materials for flood control works should be ensured within a week in any case. Instead of waiting for high water flow in the rivers, the supply of materials should be ensured at all sensitive locations from now on. He said that teams from headquarters and district administration will visit the sites after a week to verify the preparations and stockpiles, so the concerned officers should share all data with the district administration.

He directed that special vigilance should be exercised on sensitive and highly sensitive embankments, and proper lighting should be arranged along the embankments for effective monitoring at night, and the access routes should be kept correct in advance for the immediate supply of materials in case of an emergency. He said that in case of any kind of encroachment on the embankments, contact should be made with the headquarters and district administration immediately and action should be taken. Along with this, the repair of Red Holes and Fox Holes that are not visible during the flood should be completed now so that the embankment remains strong.

The Deputy Chief Minister said that this is a time of trial for all of us. If all officers work with full vigor and responsibility, any possible unpleasant situation can be dealt with effectively. He made it clear that officers who show notable performance will be rewarded, while those who deliberately show negligence will face strict action.

In the meeting, the department's secretary, Dr. Chandrashekhar Singh, directed the officers to keep a constant eye on the weather forecast and ensure that there is no kind of negligence in any situation. He emphasized that they should be fully alert and prepared at all times instead of waiting for the water level to rise. Technical Advisor Manoj Raman, Chief Engineer Varun Kumar, Chief Engineer Dharmendra Kumar, and other officers were present.