On-the-Ground Leadership in Gurdaspur and Pathankot
Chandigarh, August 27, 2025 — Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann visited the severely flood-affected districts of Gurdaspur and Pathankot today. Braving the crisis, he chose to travel by road and left behind the government helicopter at the site to aid ongoing rescue operations.
While speaking with villagers, Mann urged them to stay courageous and resilient, emphasizing that natural disasters are beyond anyone’s control. However, he reassured, “Our government will not leave anyone helpless. Every life is precious to us.”
He added that the government helicopter would be used round-the-clock for rescue efforts, delivering essential supplies like rations and clean water. He promised, “We will compensate every loss suffered, as we have vowed. The situation will return to normal soon.”
Floods Deepen While Rescue Forces Mobilize
The flood crisis has worsened extensively. Rivers Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej are in spate, with Ravi recorded at 460,000 cusecs and Ranjit Sagar dam crossing the danger level of 527.91 meters. Meanwhile, Pathankot and Gurdaspur face inundation, with approximately 150 villages submerged, particularly in Ferozepur and Fazilka.
In a dramatic rescue, around 400 students and staff were stranded at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya in Daburi, Gurdaspur. The Army and NDRF swiftly evacuated them from rooftops. In another operation, a helicopter rescued 22 CRPF personnel and three civilians just minutes before the building they sheltered in collapsed.
Schools Closed, Relief Coordination in Place
Factoring in heavy rains and flood risks, Punjab has shut all schools from August 27 to 30. Authorities also suspended train services in affected areas. A central flood control room in Jalandhar now oversees statewide relief efforts, while the Punjab Police, Army, NDRF, SDRF, and BSF have intensified rescue missions.
Mann has set up a state-level flood management committee, and instructed district administrators to ensure smooth distribution of essentials. Relief efforts have been stepped up with disaster relief camps and evacuations underway.
Next Steps: Compensation and Flood Reforms
The CM’s visit and assurances of compensation mark a critical moment in the government’s flood response. Mann has called for special girdawari (damage assessments) to ensure fair and transparent relief disbursal.
Going forward, the focus is on rebuilding livelihoods, ensuring timely compensation, and strengthening flood resilience strategies to prevent future disasters.