He directed the Deputy Commissioners of Panchkula, Ambala and Yamunanagar to immediately get the check dams desilted, which were constructed for storage of water in Shivalik area, an official release said.
Presiding over a meeting with officers, Divisional Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners via video-conferencing here, Khattar said natural water bodies should also be desilted once a year. This would not only increase the storage capacity, but also recharge ground water.
He also directed officials to take up all flood control works so that it is completed before the onset of monsoon. As per whether forecast by the Meteorology Department, monsoon is expected in the last week of June.
He also emphasised on the need of an awareness campaign among the masses about floods, the release said, adding, the Chief Minister stressed on the need for building more reservoirs and asked the irrigation department to identify areas for construction of those and plan accordingly.
All Deputy Commissioners apprised Khattar that necessary arrangements for flood control have been made. Also, as per the guidelines by the Additional Chief Secretary, Revenue and Disaster Management, flood control rooms have been set up in all districts from May 28, it said.
Irrigation minister O P Dhankar suggested an authority should be constituted to study the natural flow of water as some reports about permanent water logging in some places have been received due to change of the course of water bodies caused by rapid urbanization.
All Deputy Commissioners should be in the Whatsapp group of the irrigation department so that they remain in touch with each other during the monsoon season.