Ambala face heavy rains, flood concerns: Energy minister Anil Vij reviews situation

AMBALA: Haryana’s energy, transport and labour minister Anil Vij on Tuesday reviewed the situation in Ambala Cantonment following heavy rainfall and rising water levels in the Tangri river.

He said the entire administration had been put on alert, while the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) had been called in as a precautionary measure.Vij informed that the Ambala Cantonment SDM, Municipal Council EO, and other officials had toured the area to monitor the ground situation. He noted that continuous rainfall often causes blockages under culverts, which are being cleared. “Our councillors and BJP office bearers have been working in teams since 6 am across their wards to assist residents and assess conditions,” he added.The minister stressed that Ambala Cantonment was largely protected due to the construction of an eight-kilometre-long embankment along the Tangri river, built earlier under his initiative. “Recently, the river carried 38,000 cusecs of water, but thanks to the embankment, the Cantonment remained safe,” Vij said.Vij pointed out that damage occurred only to those who had built houses inside the riverbed despite repeated warnings.

“We urged them to move out, but they did not. Later, SDRF teams rescued them using boats, and the administration arranged their food and shelter. Even now, voluntary organisations have been roped in to provide meals,” he stated.Turning to another incident, Vij expressed deep sorrow over the death of three people in Hisar after coming into contact with a live 11 kV power line. He announced that adequate compensation had been ordered for the bereaved families and that Junior Engineer Punjab Singh had been suspended in connection with the mishap.A committee comprising the Director of Operations and Director of Projects is investigating the matter, and a detailed report will be submitted once the probe is complete. “Appropriate action will follow after the investigation,” Vij assured.The tragic accident occurred near Darshan Academy School on Mirzapur Road, Hisar, when three private individuals—Bunty (26), Raj Kumar (31), and Amit (15)—came into contact with a broken conductor from the 11 kV feeder of the Sector 1/4 substation.

The victims were rushed to Hisar Civil Hospital, where post-mortems were conducted.Vij further said that some low-lying substations in Hisar had been submerged during rains. “Before the next monsoon, a survey will be conducted and the floor level of such substations will be raised to prevent waterlogging and power disruptions,” he directed.Responding to queries on public transport services during the rains, the minister said the Transport Department was ensuring operations despite challenges. “I am personally monitoring the services so that commuters do not face hardships,” Vij affirmed.