Chandigarh [India], July 13 (HBTV): As North India faces severe devastation due to ongoing heavy rainfall, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Wednesday directed officials to ensure robust drainage systems across the state, according to an official statement.
CM Saini reviewed flood preparedness with Deputy Commissioners from all districts, emphasising the importance of being fully equipped to tackle potential flooding. He instructed officials to collect data on pump sets available in the districts and ensure thorough cleaning of drains, especially in waterlogging-prone areas such as Gurugram, Faridabad, Ambala, and Kurukshetra.
He also directed officials to verify the functionality of pump sets available with the Public Health Engineering Department and the Irrigation Department to enable efficient water drainage.
The Chief Minister reviewed monsoon-related preparations across the state in the presence of senior officials, including Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi, Chief Principal Secretary to the CM Rajesh Khullar, Principal Secretary to the CM Arun Kumar Gupta, and Home Secretary Sumita Mishra.
He further instructed prompt redressal of complaints related to water drainage to prevent waterlogging and mitigate the risk of urban flooding.
Earlier, on June 29 and July 1, Ambala and Charkhi Dadri experienced waterlogging following heavy rainfall, raising concerns about the state’s preparedness ahead of the peak monsoon season.
Meanwhile, Himachal Pradesh has witnessed widespread destruction due to a cloudburst and continuous heavy rainfall. At least 51 people have lost their lives, and 22 others are reported missing as torrential rains, flash floods, and landslides continue to wreak havoc, according to the latest official figures.
Heavy monsoon rains have triggered landslides, flash floods, and major infrastructure damage in India’s Himalayan states, particularly Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Over 700 roads and key highways have been closed in Himachal due to landslides. Waterlogging has also been reported across Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana.
The India Meteorological Department has issued a warning that heavy rain is expected to persist in the region until the weekend.
India receives nearly 80% of its annual rainfall during the monsoon season, which is vital for agriculture and the livelihoods of millions. However, experts caution that climate change is making monsoon patterns increasingly erratic, contributing to more frequent flash floods, droughts, and other extreme weather events.
(ANI)