Pb seeks Rs 100 cr as 2nd installment from Centre to tackle

Punjab government has asked Centre to release Rs 100 crore as second installment to tackle the problem of waterlogging in the state within a fixed time limit, an official said today.
Chief Secretary Sarvesh Kaushal said this while briefing the visiting Inter-Sectoral Team about the work plan for the year 2015-16 and 2016-17.
"The state government has chalked out a comprehensive plan to tackle waterlogging. Along with surface drainage system, the irrigation department has planned extensive use of sub-surface drainage particularly in low lying pockets of Muktsar and Fazilka Districts," he said.
Giving details of steps taken, Kaushal said, "With removal of obstruction in drains, water was drained out within 10 to 11 days during the floods of 2014 whereas it took 20 to 21 days in 2013."

Chairman of the team, Prof Ramesh Chand expressed satisfaction over the ongoing works in the south-western areas of Punjab and suggested a multi pronged strategy has to be exercised to tackle leakage from Rajasthan and Sirhind Feeder Canals.
He assured the state government that they will take up the issue with the Centre for releasing the required funds to Punjab.