Punjab government on Wednesday cancelled leaves of all government doctors till further orders and increased the security on vital installations.

A Health Department official said that instructions had been given to all doctors to ensure their presence in view of Kumbh Mela earlier. In continuation with the orders, they have been asked not to proceed on leave till the situation eases out, an administrative secretary in the government said. He further stated that all government hospitals and medical colleges have been asked to be prepared for an eventuality and ensure that all medicines and surgical equipments are available. A direction has also been issued to keep the ambulances in fully operational condition.

A top Health Department official said that hospitals have been asked to buffer their stocks of medicines. There is enough central stock available in Mohali, Amritsar and Bathinda hospitals. Since the victims, in case of any exigency, would be moved to the major hospitals, they have been asked to be fully equipped.

Punjab Chief Secretary, Karan Avtar Singh, held a meeting with officials of health, revenue, public health, home, industry and housing departments, and asked them to be prepared for any situation. The Department of Home has been directed to secure important installations.

One of the top functionaries in the state government said that the security at airports, ammunition depots and other defence installations, refineries, important industries, railway stations, bus stations has already been stepped up. Directions have also been given to secure water bodies, important drains, bridges on rivers and canals and dams.

Instructions have been given to the Public Health Department to make arrangements for tankers to carry water in case of disruption of water supply. Security of overhead water tanks has also been intensified.

Revenue Department officials have been asked to identify places to set up camps in case village residents on the border need to be evacuated and moved to a safer place.