Leaders Visit Flood-Hit Fazilka Villages
Punjab continues to struggle with one of the most severe floods in decades, leaving large swathes of farmland and villages under water. On Sunday, Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh and Punjab Panchayat Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond visited border villages in Fazilka district to distribute relief material and meet residents facing daily hardships.
The leaders were seen carrying relief supplies in Gulaba Bhaini village, a community badly affected by the floods. Singh and Sond interacted with locals, who expressed concern over inadequate support from the Centre despite weeks of devastation.
Sanjay Singh Calls for Central Relief
Addressing the media, Sanjay Singh criticized the Union government for delaying aid. He said Punjab has been grappling with floods for nearly a month, but the Centre has only sought reports instead of providing direct help.
Singh urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to announce a substantial relief package during his scheduled visit to Punjab on September 9. He also reminded the Centre about the pending Rs 60,000 crore dues under RDF, GST, and other financial heads.
“Even though the Union Agriculture Minister earlier visited Punjab, no concrete relief has reached the state. Punjab urgently needs funds to rebuild damaged infrastructure and support its farmers,” Singh said.
Sond Marks Birthday With Relief Efforts
For Panchayat Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond, the day carried a personal touch. Instead of celebrating his birthday, he spent the day delivering food and essential supplies to flood-affected families in Fazilka.
Carrying bags of relief material on his shoulders, Sond said he wanted to dedicate his birthday to the service of people in distress. He has been working in the district for the past three days, coordinating relief operations and encouraging volunteers.
“Punjab is facing one of its toughest challenges. My priority is ensuring every affected family receives immediate assistance. Celebrations can wait; service cannot,” Sond stated.
Focus Shifts to Health and Recovery
While water levels in some parts of Fazilka are beginning to recede, new challenges are emerging. The stagnant water has increased the risk of waterborne diseases, while damaged infrastructure has left several villages vulnerable.
Minister Sond said the district administration is preparing for the next stage of response. Medical teams, veterinary units, and local officials are actively deployed in the field to prevent outbreaks and assess losses.
“Providing food and shelter is our first step. The bigger task ahead is disease prevention and long-term rehabilitation. Farmers have lost their crops, homes are damaged, and livestock are at risk. The Centre must step in with adequate financial support,” he added.
Fazilka Villagers Appeal for Help
Residents of Fazilka’s border villages have pooled resources to survive, but many say their resilience is reaching its limit. Families are living in temporary shelters with little access to clean water. Farmers worry about destroyed fields and the looming debt cycle.
“We appreciate the state government’s efforts, but without central aid, recovery will be impossible. We want the Prime Minister to see our condition and act immediately,” said a farmer in Gulaba Bhaini.
Outlook
As Punjab battles the aftermath of devastating floods, the visit by AAP leaders has once again highlighted the demand for urgent central assistance. With the Prime Minister’s upcoming visit, expectations are high that a comprehensive relief package will be announced.
For now, relief operations continue across Fazilka, but the scale of the disaster has made clear that only coordinated support between the state and Centre can bring lasting recovery.