Heavy rains leave several villages inundated in border areas

Heavy rains in parts of Punjab have left several villages inundated.

Chandigarh: Heavy rains in parts of Punjab, particularly in Amritsar, Gurdaspur and Ferozepur districts, have left several villages inundated with the Chief Minister on Sunday directing district officials along the Satluj, Ravi and Beas rivers to be extra vigilant to prevent any loss of life. BSF personnel and district administration evacuated close to 150 people from Ghanie-Ke-Bet village (along the Indo-Pak border) situated across Ravi river at the Dera Baba Nanak area to safety with the help of motor boats.

Due to heavy rains in various parts of the state this week, especially in Amritsar and Gurdaspur districts, there has been huge inflow of water in the reservoirs of Pong, Bhakhra and Ranjit Sagar Dams. "Boats and other support are available with the district administration to cope with any emergent situation arising out of incessant rains in the region," a government spokesperson said here. A damaged portion of the advance bundh at Shahpur village on Ravi river in Ajnala sub-division of Amritsar district has been effectively plugged by the district administration and the irrigation department, he said. A joint operation by district administration, army, BSF, Punjab Police and Irrigation department was in full swing to strengthen the advance bundh`s embankment, he said. Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, meanwhile, has directed the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) of districts along the Satluj, Ravi and Beas rivers to be extra vigilant to prevent any loss of life and damage to property. Badal also asked the DCs to keep special medical and veterinary teams with adequate supply of medicine in hand to use them in water-logged areas if situation demands. The Chief Minister has deputed Principal Secretary, Irrigation along with Chief Engineer, Canals and Drainage to visit vulnerable areas and monitor situation, the spokesperson said. PTI