Haryana Cabinet Minister Anil Vij on Saturday conducted a thorough inspection of riverbanks, drains, and pumping stations in Ambala Cantonment to assess flood-control measures. The minister expressed strong displeasure with the ground situation, noting that preparations were incomplete at several locations.
Inspection Details
Accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Ajay Singh Tomar and officials from various departments, Vij spent nearly four hours visiting key sites. He observed that some departments appeared to have initiated cleaning work only after the inspection schedule was announced, making activity visible during the visit. This infuriated the minister, who remarked that such last-minute efforts were insufficient.
High-Level Committee Formed
Vij instructed the Deputy Commissioner to form a high-level committee to revisit all inspected locations after seven days. The committee will submit a detailed report on completed work and areas where negligence is observed. The minister emphasized that inspections are meaningful only when their results are visible on the ground, and timely correction of deficiencies can protect Ambala Cantonment from potential flooding and waterlogging.
Key Issues Identified
During the inspection, Vij was particularly upset with the causeway built at Ghasitpur on the Tangri River. He pointed out that the small causeway becomes a major obstruction to water flow during the rainy season. He ordered its demolition and directed the construction of a temporary wooden bridge to ensure uninterrupted public movement and unobstructed rainwater flow.
At the Gudgudia drain near the Railway Colony, Vij observed that the main drain was heavily clogged with bushes and silt. He noted that the drainage channel had become narrow and could create serious problems during the monsoon. Similarly, while inspecting drains under the Railways and Cantonment Board, the minister directed officials to increase the water-carrying capacity to ensure smooth water flow.
Visited Locations
The minister visited multiple sites that experienced waterlogging in previous monsoon seasons, including the Babyal Pump House, embankments along the Tangri River, Mahesh Nagar Pump House, Mahesh Nagar Drain, Rambagh Road Drain, 12 Cross Road Drain, Gudgudia Drain near Yadav Dharamshala, water drainage arrangements at Ghasitpur, the railway colony area, and drains in the army area. He also held a meeting with officials at the PWD rest house, where he pulled them up over delays in implementing flood-control measures.
Vij reiterated that proactive measures are essential to prevent flooding and ensure the safety of residents. The formation of the high-level committee is expected to expedite corrective actions and improve accountability among departments.
