Letter from a newspaper correspondent of a national daily to the editor on the destruction caused by flood and the relief measures taken by the administration

Letter from a newspaper correspondent of a national daily to the editor on the destruction caused by flood and the relief measures taken by the administration

The Editor
Indian Express
Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg
New Delhi-110002

Sir,

                I hereby submit to you a report on the flood situation in Ropar district of Haryana . Floods have become a common feature in our country during rainy season.

This time, it has affected many areas of Haryana but the situation in Ropar is the worst. Thousands of people have been rendered homeless. At least twenty-two persons are reported to have been drowned. Thousands of people have been marooned, owing to heavy rainfall. Two railway tracks have been badly damaged and many roads are under knee-deep water. Property worth crores, of rupees has been destroyed.

The people of the area are facing the calamity bravely. The Haryana Government is handling the situation on a war footing. The rescue and relief operations are going on in full swing. The medicine clothes and other necessary articles are being supplied to the flood-stricken people by the Government and voluntary organizations. Many boats have been pressed into service to rescue the marooned people.

The Chief Minister of Haryana is personally supervising the relief operations and has announced an outlay of Rs. 50 crores to resettle the affected people. Many voluntary organisations from neighboring Punjab and Delhi have sent relief materials to the affected people. The Government has exempted the farmers from payment of land revenue and postponed repayment of loans.

The situation now appears to be quite under control through most of the areas in the state are still submerged in water. A number of police and military teams have been maintaining round the clock vigil and strategic points. It is hoped that, in a week or so, there will be a marked improvement in the situation.

Anuj

Correspondent

Date: