Hry cancels leave of employees of municipalities

In view of the warning of thunderstorm and rain in next 24 hours by Meteorological Department, Haryana Government on Monday cancelled the leave of all officers and officials in municipalities across the State for next 24 hours.

A day before, Haryana Government had announced holidays in all government and private schools on May 7 and 8.

Haryana Urban Local Bodies Minister, Kavita Jain on Monday directed for gearing up the fire services and maintaining cleanliness in the state. She also announced to cancel the leave of all officers and officials in municipalities.

The Minister was presiding over meeting with senior officers of the Department to review the arrangements made in view of the high alert issued by the Met Department, here.

It is the responsibility of the State Government to make people aware and to take precautionary steps to prevent any kind of loss to lives and property, she added.

She directed that there should not be any dereliction in duties and all concerned should discharge their duties with utmost dedication.

The Minister added that the State Government has been considering the demands of the employees in a sympathetic manner.

Haryana Revenue and Disaster Management Department has also issued advisory in view of possibility of heavy rain, thunderstorms or dust storms in next 24 hours. It stated that  during heavy rain and thunderstorms, people are advised not to panic and try to stay indoors and stay off verandas.

Apart from this, all departments have been directed to stay alert in Haryana.

The Union Home Ministry, had on Sunday, said 13 states would be affected by thunderstorms, along with squall and hail on May 7 and 8. The fresh warning came days after thunderstorm and dust storm wreaked havoc across the country, claiming at least 124 lives and injuring more than 300 last week.

Several states are on alert after the Met Department and the Centre warned of thunderstorms accompanied by squall, hail and heavy rains across the country on May 7 and 8.

Surender Pal, Director Chandigarh Meteorological Department said that there is no need to panic and an alert has been issued so that precautions can be taken.

Light to moderate rain, thunderstorm and dust storm is likely in various parts of Punjab and Haryana in next 36 hours, he said.

Meanwhile, light rain was recorded in various parts of Punjab, Haryana and their joint capital, Chandigarh on Monday morning.