Face2News/Chandigarh
Adviser to the Administrator, Sh. Rajeev Verma, conducted a comprehensive review meeting with senior officers of the UT Administration to evaluate the preparations for the upcoming monsoon season and to mitigate potential flooding and water-logging issues.
During the meeting, Sh. Verma emphasized the need for meticulous planning and prompt execution by all concerned departments, including the Municipal Corporation, Engineering Department, Forest Department, Revenue & Disaster Management Department, and Traffic Police, to avoid a recurrence of the flood situation experienced in July 2023.
Deputy Commissioner Vinay Pratap Singh reported that on 9-10 July 2023, Chandigarh received approximately 450 mm of rainfall within 48 hours—around 40% of the city's average annual rainfall—leading to significant water-logging and flood-like conditions in several areas.
The Chief Engineer outlined that teams have been formed to address road cave-ins, tree uprootings, and power line disruptions promptly. Efforts to strengthen low-level water causeways at Kishangarh and Bapudham are in progress. The Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation assured that a 24×7 water-logging and emergency helpline will be operational before 1st July, with dedicated teams ready to address water-logging, tree uprootings, and water supply disruptions.
To prevent similar issues this year, the cleaning of all three natural drains—Sukhna Choe, N-choe, and Patiala ki Rao—is underway and will be completed by 30th June. Prohibitory orders will be issued to prevent people from entering drains, choes, and water bodies. Additionally, 315 Aapda Mitras will be deployed in neighborhood areas to assist local communities during heavy rainfall and flooding.
The Chief Engineer outlined that teams have been formed to address road cave-ins, tree uprootings, and power line disruptions promptly. Efforts to strengthen low-level water causeways at Kishangarh and Bapudham are in progress. The Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation assured that a 24×7 water-logging and emergency helpline will be operational before 1st July, with dedicated teams ready to address water-logging, tree uprootings, and water supply disruptions.
Furthermore, the cleaning of stormwater drains is being conducted on a war footing and will be completed before 1st July. The Health Secretary briefed on preparations to combat vector-borne diseases during the monsoon season.
The Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) discussed repairs to water-retention structures in the Sukhna Catchment area to prevent flooding and sedimentation in Sukhna Lake. The Senior Superintendent of Police (Traffic) informed about special traffic duties planned during the monsoon to manage traffic disruptions caused by water-logging and fallen trees.
Adviser Sh. Rajeev Verma directed all officers to supervise preparations personally through spot visits and announced that the next review meeting would be held in ten days to assess the progress of these preparations.
The meeting was attended by Home Secretary cum Finance Secretary Sh Vijay Zade, Deputy Commissioner Sh.Vinay Pratap Singh,Commissioner MC Anindita Mitra , Secretary Health, Sh.Ajay Chagti , SSP Traffic, and other officers of Chandigarh Administration