Secretary for Jal Shakti, Finance, Planning, Economics and Statistics Dr. Abhishek Jain on Thursday inspected flood protection works in the Manali Assembly constituency and reviewed the damage caused by floods in previous years. He emphasized that all flood protection projects should follow scientific methods and be completed on time to ensure long-term safety before the monsoon season.
During the visit, Dr. Jain conducted a field inspection from the Atal Tunnel to Kullu along the banks of the Beas River to assess ongoing flood management works.
He reviewed construction work being carried out by the Jal Shakti Department near the Potato Ground in Manali. The Secretary also inspected a 400-metre flood protection wall constructed near Kalath Old Age Home, which has already been completed.
Later, he chaired a meeting with officials of key departments to review the overall progress of flood management measures. Officials informed him that flood protection work worth Rs. 8 crore was underway across a 700-metre stretch, while another project worth Rs. 30 crore covering 2,100 metres was also in progress and expected to be completed before 15 April. Additionally, dredging work has been proposed at 11 locations to further strengthen flood protection.
The Public Works Department Himachal Pradesh also briefed the Secretary that projects worth Rs. 24 crore were being executed over an 800-metre stretch, of which Rs. 15 crore worth of work has already been completed.
Dr. Jain directed all departments to complete the remaining work by June to ensure safety in vulnerable areas before the monsoon. He also instructed that monthly review meetings be held under the chairmanship of the Deputy Commissioner with participation from all concerned departments, including the National Highways Authority of India, while he would personally review progress at the Secretary level every month.
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