New Delhi/Chandigarh, June 23, 2013: The Haryana Government has provided its State plane and helicopter for relief and rehabilitation measures in flood-ravaged Uttarakhand and its Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda made an aerial survey of the flood-affected areas on Saturday.

Mr. Hooda made an aerial survey of Haridwar and Dehra Dun. He then left his helicopter there for the relief and rescue operations and is returning to Delhi by road.

Before leaving, Mr. Hooda said Haryana has offered all necessary help to the Uttarakhand Government in view of the devastation. Haryana has already provided a grant of Rs. 10 crore to Uttarakhand.

He said the services of a helicopter and a plane are being made available to Uttarakhand and the State plane has already reached there.

Yamuna embankments

Meanwhile, the Haryana Government said on Saturday that the embankments of the Yamuna in the State would be further strengthened due to the excessive flow of water in the river.

Irrigation Department Principal Secretary S. S. Dhillon said the embankments were being repaired as incessant rain has caused a flood-like situation in the State. Officers have been directed to fasten the pace of repair work, Mr. Dhillon said in Karnal.

Mr. Dhillon, who is also the Additional Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, was reviewing the repair work of dams which were damaged by excessive water in the Yamuna at Gharaunda in Karnal.

Referring to the discharge of over 8 lakh cusec of water into the river from the Hathnikund barrage in Yamunanagar last week, Mr. Dhillon said the barrage has a capacity of about 7.5 lakh cusec.

However, in view of the release of over 8 lakh cusec water, a new action plan would be prepared so that more water could be stored. 

Source: The Hindu, DT. June 23, 2013.