CHANDIGARH, APRIL 27 — Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has authorized the acquisition of high-tech amphibious machinery to enhance Punjab’s capacity for river desilting and flood prevention. During a high-level review of the state’s disaster preparedness on Monday, the Chief Minister stated that these multipurpose machines, which can operate in running water, are essential for maintaining the state’s drainage network ahead of the monsoon.
The Chief Minister affirmed that the decision follows his observations of similar technology used effectively during a recent visit to Finland. He declared that the ability of these machines to perform deep desilting makes them a critical asset for both routine maintenance and emergency response. Mann maintained that the procurement would significantly reduce the risk to lives and crops by ensuring that rivers and drains are cleared of obstructions before heavy rains begin.
Regarding water levels at the Bhakra Dam, the Chief Minister stated that current levels were recorded at 1594 feet against a maximum capacity of 1680 feet. He declared that the state must plan water releases strategically as paddy sowing is set to commence on June 1. Mann affirmed that an additional 5,000 cusecs of water will be required for irrigation once the revival of watercourses is completed by the end of May.
In vulnerable areas such as the Ropar district, the Chief Minister stated that preventive measures have been intensified to protect roughly 20 villages that suffered losses last year. He maintained that the government is exploring the channelization of the Swaan river to assist with both irrigation and potential tourism. “The acquisition of these machines will go a long way in mitigating the woes faced by people due to the fury of floods,” the Chief Minister asserted.
