Pathankot Flood Relief Drive Gains Momentum
The recent floods in Punjab have left thousands of families grappling with heavy financial losses. In response, Punjab’s Minister of Food and Civil Supplies, Consumer Affairs, and Forests, Lal Chand Kataruchak, has ordered revenue officials in Pathankot to carry out fair and transparent damage assessments. He stressed that no affected family should be left without support.
Today Kataruchak chaired a high-level meeting at the District Administrative Complex in Pathankot. The meeting was attended by Patwaris, Kanungos, Naib Tehsildars, and Tehsildars. The minister issued strict directions to officials, reminding them of their duty to serve the people in this hour of crisis.
“No Bias, Only Justice”
Kataruchak made it clear that bias of any kind will not be tolerated. He assured that the state government is committed to providing compensation to every family affected by the floods, regardless of their social or economic background.
“Every person who has suffered losses will be given due compensation. Officials must work transparently and ensure that no family is excluded,” the minister said during the meeting.
The floods have severely impacted agricultural fields, homes, and small businesses in Pathankot. Kataruchak urged the revenue officers to remain in constant touch with locals, listen to their grievances, and file accurate reports.
Revenue Officials Under Scrutiny
The minister’s directive comes amid growing concerns among villagers about delays and discrepancies in loss assessments. Many residents had alleged partiality in previous relief distributions. By calling all key revenue officials to the district headquarters, Kataruchak aimed to ensure accountability at every level.
Officials present at the meeting were reminded that their field visits must reflect ground realities. Kataruchak emphasized the importance of maintaining detailed records and submitting them within deadlines to avoid delays in compensation disbursal.
Moreover, he instructed them to conduct surveys in coordination with local Panchayats, so that no area is overlooked.
Flood Damage in Pathankot
Pathankot has been one of the worst-hit districts in Punjab. The overflowing rivers and seasonal rains have damaged houses, swept away crops, and disrupted livelihoods.
Residents in rural belts like Dhar Kalan, Narot Jaimal Singh, and Bamial have faced significant agricultural losses. Paddy and maize crops standing on acres of land were destroyed in just a few days of rain. Many daily-wage earners also lost work due to waterlogging and damaged roads.
Local families say that rebuilding homes and restarting farming will take months, making state support essential for survival.
Government’s Relief Measures
The Punjab government has already released emergency funds to districts affected by the floods. Teams from the Revenue and Disaster Management Department are working alongside district administrations to assess damage and provide relief.
Additionally, temporary shelters and food supplies have been arranged for displaced families. Kataruchak has asked district officers to speed up rehabilitation work and ensure that relief reaches every household on time.
He also said that the government is exploring long-term measures to strengthen embankments and drainage systems to reduce flood risk in the future.
Public Response and Next Steps
Villagers have welcomed the minister’s assurance of unbiased assessments. Many expressed hope that unlike previous years, this time the compensation will be distributed fairly and without delays.
Civil society groups in Pathankot have also urged the administration to include women-headed households, landless farmers, and migrant laborers in relief surveys, as they are often overlooked.
With surveys underway, the next step will be the release of financial aid to verified victims. Officials expect the process to be completed within weeks, but residents are keenly watching whether the government keeps its promise of fair and transparent compensation.
Conclusion
Floods have once again exposed the vulnerability of Punjab’s border districts like Pathankot. While the natural disaster has caused widespread destruction, the government’s response will determine how quickly affected families can rebuild their lives.
By stressing transparency and accountability, Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak has sent a strong message that people’s trust in governance must be restored. The coming weeks will test whether these assurances translate into timely and fair relief for all flood-hit households.