Various government departments and agencies have been instructed to keep a close watch on the 153 vulnerable points across the Capital that are prone to water-logging. The civic bodies, the Public Works Department and the Irrigation and Flood Control Department have also been instructed to complete de-silting work by June 15.
In a meeting of the ‘Apex Committee on Flood Control 2013’ on Wednesday, Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit urged all agencies concerned to work in tandem and procure flood protection material well in advance. She also released the ‘Flood Control Order 2013’.
The Delhi Government has also constituted ‘Sector Committees’ headed by Ministers to chalk out the steps needed for dealing with problems arising out of flood or drainage congestion. Ms. Dikshit said elaborate arrangements should be made for evacuation, rescue, relief and setting up of temporary camping sites.
Further, the government agencies have been asked to keep in touch with neighbouring States such as Haryana and the Central Water Commission to monitor the water level in the Yamuna river. While boats and divers must be made available apart from making arrangements for rehabilitation, medical assistance, transportation and prevention measures, the Army has been instructed to be ready in case of any eventuality to assist the civic authorities.
Noting that the first warning will be issued as soon as the discharge from Hathni Kund exceeds 1 lakh cusec, the second warning will be issued when the discharge exceeds 3 lakh cusec and third warning when the flow exceeds 5 lakh cusec, Ms. Dikshit said suitable action should be taken as per prescribed instructions on issue of the warnings.
To monitor the situation round the clock, it was stated that the Revenue Department has also set up helplines that would function at the Control Room at DC Office (East) on 011-220512324 and at I&FC Headquarter at ISBT Kashmere Gate on 011-23861837.
