Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann on Thursday addressed a press conference and gave the latest flood update reiterating that there is no need to panic as the water-level is soon going to be decreased. Apart from giving Punjab flood update, CM Mann addressed the ongoing reports of a possible Punjab Cabinet Reshuffle and also gave an update on the efforts to bring back Gurwinder Kaur, who is stuck in Malaysia. For the unversed, at least 8 districts of the state are currently facing Punjab floods and multiple villages have submerged into the water. The latest Punjab flood is the result of the release of excess water from the Pong and the Bhakra dams.
Giving an update on the ongoing situation, Punjab CM Mann said, "The devastating rains in Himachal Pradesh always affect Punjab. Punjab did not witness heavy rainfall but as you must have heard that Mandi, Solan, and Kullu witnessed big landslides, and cloudbursts. Those water affected Punjab. There are four dams here- first Bhakra. For Bhakra, 1680 feet is the danger mark. Right now, the water level is at 1676 feet. But, 80,000 cusec water is being released from this dam in a controlled manner. BBMB informed us. Therefore, there is no need to panic or get frightened due to this. By today evening, the water level is expected to decrease more. The second is Pong Dam. The danger mark is 1390 feet. But, currently, the water level is 1396 feet. But, it is still safe as in the past it has been witnessed that the water level reaches up to 1400 to 1405 feet mark. Till yesterday, 1 lakh 17 thousand cusec water was being released. Today, the number will be decreased to 1 lakh. "
"The third, Ghagar dam is totally safe and there is no threat or danger from this dam. Again there is no danger from the Ravi River as well. In Harike, since Bhakra and Pong's water is collected there. We have been releasing water from there so that it does not affect other districts of Punjab. We are constantly in talks with Himachal Government and BBMB," CM Mann adding that, "We will compensate the houses, farms, livestock, and animals destroyed in the recent flood. The fund will be released from State Relief Fun and from the Punjab State Government."
Punjab CM Mann denies Cabinet Reshuffle
Addressing the ongoing reports of the Cabinet reshuffle, Punjab CM denied it and stated that the ongoing reports are only to sensationalize and there is no iota of truth in it as of now.
CM Mann on Punjabi Girl stuck in Malaysia
Addressing the issue, Punjab CM Mann stated, "We have successfully contacted her. She will be under Embassey's custody very soon. Then her new passport will be made. The family for whom she worked is also a Punjabi family. She will be back soon. I just want to appeal to the people going abroad to think twice. But if someone goes outside and faces any problem like passport failure, or fraudulent immigration, then to address this grievance we will issue a WhatsApp number soon." Furthermore, he announced that Punjab Government is going to open the 'Punjab Help Centre' at Delhi International Airport. It will help the people of Punjab with issues related to tickets, missing language, and anything.
For the unversed, after the video of Gurwinder alleging illegal confinement in Malaysia and seeking help went viral on social media some days back, the Lehra police registered a case against three persons under Sections 420, 120-B IPC and started further investigations.
Punjab Floods Update: 8 districts inundated in water, NDRF join hands with Army in rescue op
Punjab Government inks new deal
CM Mann opened the Press Conference with a special announcement for the state. He informed, "Society is movie towards solar & green energy. Therefore, we have made an agreement to purchase 1200 Megawatt of solar power. BBMB is a company of the Government of India undertaking. Satluj Jal Bijli Nigam (SJBMN) green energy limited has inked a deal with a solar power company for Rs 2. 53 paise per unit. 200 MW for Hoshiarpur at a price of Rs 2.75 paise per unit of electricity was proposed. First, Rs 2. 8 paise was bid then we deducted 6 paise in it. It is important to note that if 1 Paise is reduced, then in Rs 64 crore will be saved in the next 25 years. We have inked the deal at a reduced 6 paise price then which means we will save Rs 387 crore in the next 25 years. Ultimately, on 200 MW the Punjab government will be able to save Rs 431 crore under this agreement. It means the PSPCL will be saving Rs 17.25 core every year under this agreement. Under this, total of 83 lakh units will be produced. This will help in the supply of electricity to tubewells, farmers, and more. The previous deal was inked by the Akali Dal in 2007 and according to the previous deal per unit cost Rs 8 per unit. Under our deal, there will be no transmission charges or transmission loss charges. It is one of the cheapest deals which the BBMB inked with any state. There are talks on Banking Policy and if that goes well then we will be able to provide cheap electricity to industries as well."