In a firm message to officials, Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi on Saturday asked them to ensure that no flooding took place in areas which were normally affected during monsoon rains.
Ever since Ms. Bedi assumed charge as LG, she launched a series of measures to galvanise the official machinery of Union Territory. She had also embarked on a special sanitation drive across the city.
On Saturday early morning, Ms. Bedi, accompanied by Speaker and former Chief Minister V.Vaithilingam, visited Karuvadikuppam area where the Public Work Authorities have been desilting the canals and undertaking the construction of retaining wall for free flow of storm drain.
Uppanar canal inspected
They were also joined by Puducherry District Collector P.Jawahar, Oulgaret Municipal Commissioner M.S.Ramesh and engineers of PWD. She inspected the works of PWD clearing Uppanar canal and asked the officials why sewerage water had been stagnating in the storm water canal.
Later, along with Mr. Vaithilingam she held a detailed discussion with officials on how to avoid mixing of sewerage water with storm water drains. An official of the PWD explained to her that over Rs.270 crore fund is required to desilt 97 km length of drain canals in the city. She told them that steps would be taken to allocate the fund during the annual budget and asked the officials to expedite pending works.
Ms. Bedi tweeted: “On Weekend Morning Rd with Officials & Public Reps of the area to review progress made in desilting of canals, general sanitation and more.”
According to an official, Ms. Bedi told them, “I should not see either Krishna Nagar or Boomiyanpet again get inundated during rain season.” Her review meeting was over only by 8.45 a.m.
Chairs meeting
Later, Ms. Bedi also chaired a meeting of secretaries and heads of departments in Raj Nivas and praised them for their constructive role in working towards the vision of prosperous Puducherry.
She shared her assessment based on the presentation of 15 departments made so far and also reviewed the public perception and rising expectation from the all wings of the government.
The LG said, “As long as we work together with management of objectives and are clear on our goals, public service will always meet the expectation of people.”
All officials were asked to focus on generating new ideas to address the present as well as the growing needs of the Union Territory.
She concluded the meeting by stating that the next review meeting would be held on July 23 and each department head should present their achievements of the month.
In the afternoon, she visited the Puducherry Airport where the service was stopped some months ago.
Later talking to media persons, Ms. Bedi said, “With the new aviation policy unveiled by the Centre, the chances are very bright for revival of air connectivity from Puducherry.
The Union Minister of Civil Aviation Ashok Gajpathi Raju will be visiting here tomorrow. Chief Minister and myself will be meeting him and request him to restart the services.”
“I should not see either Krishna Nagar or Boomiyanpet again get inundated during rain season.”
