As rain plays havoc in Punjab, CM Mann asks ministers, officers to stay alert and reach out to needy

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Bhagwant Mann Sunday directed all the cabinet ministers, MLAs and officials to stay alert and reach out to people in need. According to an official statement issued, Mann asked ministers, MLAs and officers to ensure that an elaborate flood protection mechanism is put in place to safeguard the life and property of people. He also advised them to visit their respective areas and ensure relief to the affected people at the earliest.

Mann directed Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSPs) to expedite the relief work in their respective districts to provide succour to the masses. The chief minister said alerts have been issued in low-lying areas, especially those around riverbanks, advising people not to venture out of their homes unless necessary. He said the state government is keeping a tab on the areas where a flood-like situation has emerged.

The DCs, SSPs, Sub Divisional Magistrates and field staff in such areas have been asked to remain vigilant and do the needful on priority to minimise damage due to excessive water flow. Mann also asked the officers concerned to ensure that pump houses of water works at all places are protected from getting submerged by placing sandbags around them. Meanwhile, swinging into action after directives of the chief minister, the cabinet ministers and MLAs have tied up with the district administration to give relief to the people, the statement said.

The ministers and MLAs are visiting the low-lying and flood-prone areas in their respective constituencies to ensure the safe evacuation of residents of these areas. Meanwhile, the DCs have set up flood control rooms in all the districts of the state to help the people in hours of crisis. The helpline numbers have