Flood fear in Punjab: Patiala residents told to stay alert amid rain forecast

Patiala: Amidst the rain alert, Patiala deputy commissioner Preeti Yadav on Monday appealed to the residents to remain alert and adopt all necessary precautions for the next two days.She specifically advised people to stay away from rivers, ponds and embankments, and urged parents to ensure that children did not venture near waterlogged areas.Presiding over an online meeting with all the sub-divisional magistrates and municipal corporation officials, Preeti Yadav directed the authorities concerned to maintain special vigilance in their respective areas. She asked them to ensure timely drainage arrangements in low-lying regions where rainwater could accumulate.The DC said the advisory had been issued to safeguard the public and prevent any untoward incidents during the rainy season. She said the district administration was fully alert and working round the clock for the safety and convenience of residents.Preeti Yadav further instructed the health department to regularly sensitise people about preventive measures against diseases that commonly occur during the monsoon season, so that the community remained healthy and protected.Pratham Gambhir, executive engineer, drainage, said there was no need to panic as the water level remained below the danger mark.As of Aug 25, at 6 pm, the measured water levels at various flood monitoring sites in Patiala district were compared against their respective danger marks. The Ghaggar river at Bhankarpur recorded a gauge level of 1 foot, which was significantly below its danger mark of 10 feet. Similarly, the Ghaggar at Sarala Kalan measured 4.5 feet against the danger mark of 16-feet.Pachisdara Nallah near Sanoli registered 5.8 feet water, compared to a danger level of 12 feet. Tangri Nadi at RD 13500 was at 4.5 feet, below the danger mark of 9 feet. The Patiala Nadi under the Patiala-Pehowa road crossing recorded 13.4 feet water, still under the 15-feet danger level.The Markanda river at RD 7000 stood at 8 feet, against a danger mark of 12 feet. Patiala Nadi at RD 38000 registered 11.2 feet water, nearly 3 feet below the danger level.Bhorey Syphon (Shrinidh Choe) recorded 1.7 feet of water, much less than the danger mark of 10 feet. Dhakansu Nallah (Rajpura-Chandigarh road crossing) was flowing at 2 feet, well beneath its 5-feet danger mark.Finally, the Khanouri Syphon (BML crossing RD 460, under Sangrur drainage division) reflected a water level of 739.9 feet, which was below the danger mark of 748.0 feet. All readings, at present, were within safe limits, said Gambhir.The Ghaggar river near Bhankarpur discharged 13,150 cusecs, while the Patiala Nadi at RD 150 was at 17,477 cusecs. The Tangri Nadi at RD 13500 was flowing at 3,747 cusecs. The figures were being closely monitored as some readings were near or above their respective danger levels, he added.