Reviews flood damage in Patiala; directs for strengthening of Ghaggar embankments
Patiala News (Pawan Dhupar): Punjab Governor Shri Gulab Chand Kataria today urged Punjab and Haryana to work together to find a permanent solution to the recurring Ghaggar river problem. The Governor visited Patiala to review the damage caused by recent floods and held discussions with district officials and the Army on relief and rehabilitation measures.
Chairing a review meeting with Deputy Commissioner Dr. Preeti Yadav, SSP Varun Sharma, Army officers, and officials of the drainage and district administration, the Governor stressed the need to further strengthen weak embankments along the Ghaggar. Later, he inspected the river at Sarala Head.
Speaking to the media at the Circuit House, Mr. Kataria said that Punjab had suffered unprecedented losses in these floods- even more severe than those of 1988. He noted that a special girdawari has been launched to assess crop and property losses, and lauded the excellent coordination among the administration, police, Army, and local residents in tackling the crisis.
Highlighting the long-standing legal dispute over the Ghaggar between Punjab and Haryana, the Governor called on both states to reach a mutual agreement and inform the Supreme Court, so that the 35-year-old issue can be settled and a lasting solution achieved. He also referred to the need for widening the river stretch from Makraud Sahib to Karail, as well as the Hansi-Butana canal and its siphons, to improve water flow.
Responding to a query, Mr. Kataria said that the Prime Minister has sanctioned ₹1,600 crore as immediate assistance for Punjab, and assured that the Centre will extend further support once damage assessments are finalised. He emphasised the importance of real-time data on dam water levels and technical measures to minimise flood damage, while clarifying that though siltation may have reduced dam capacity, there is no threat to their safety.
Earlier, in his meeting with the administration, the Governor noted that around 60 points along the Ghaggar embankments have been identified for urgent strengthening, with regular monitoring required. Deputy Commissioner Dr. Preeti Yadav briefed him on flood-relief operations and the situation along the Ghaggar, Tangri, and Markanda rivers.
