AAP Steps Forward in Punjab Flood Crisis
Amid the devastating floods in Punjab, Members of Parliament from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) have announced that they will allocate funds from the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) to support relief efforts. Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs are actively engaging in on-ground operations, standing with affected communities across the state.
Floods triggered by heavy rainfall and overflowing rivers have caused severe damage in multiple districts, forcing thousands from their homes. With rescue operations ongoing, the financial contributions from AAP MPs aim to strengthen embankments, provide boats for evacuation, and supply essential relief materials.
Key Contributions by Rajya Sabha Members
Leading the initiative, Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Sandeep Pathak visited Ferozepur to review rescue operations. He pledged ₹5 crore from his MPLADS funds for relief and rehabilitation.
Similarly, Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha toured flood-hit areas of Gurdaspur district and announced ₹3.60 crore from his MPLADS allocation for emergency works.
Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal, another Rajya Sabha member, has been continuously involved in flood relief in Kapurthala for several days. He released ₹50 lakh from his discretionary funds and set up special helplines to personally assist victims.
Former cricketer-turned-MP Harbhajan Singh pledged ₹30 lakh for mobile water tankers and fogging machines to prevent the spread of disease. He also allocated ₹17.32 lakh for six boats—three for Ferozepur, two for Kapurthala, and one for Gurdaspur—while announcing four additional boats for Jalandhar.
Lok Sabha MPs Extend Support
On the Lok Sabha front, Dr. Raj Kumar Chabbewal, MP from Hoshiarpur, announced ₹50 lakh to strengthen embankments across his constituency.
Sangrur MP Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer has been active in relief work in Ajnala, Amritsar. He contributed ₹25 lakh from his MPLADS funds to the Amritsar district administration for immediate relief operations.
Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal, Rajya Sabha MP, pledged ₹20 lakh from his discretionary funds, also directed toward Amritsar.
Anandpur Sahib MP Malvinder Singh Kang inspected the Sutlej embankments at Bela Tajowal in Nawanshahr district and erosion zones near Patiala Ki Rao in Mohali. He promptly released ₹20 lakh to strengthen the embankments and prevent further damage.
Relief Efforts on the Ground
Beyond financial allocations, several MPs have taken a hands-on role in relief operations. Boats funded by MPLADS contributions are being deployed in multiple districts for rescue. Water tankers and fogging machines are being used to ensure access to safe water and curb the spread of vector-borne diseases.
Community volunteers, aided by local administrations, continue distributing food packets, medicine, and essential supplies to displaced families. Meanwhile, health camps are being organized in worst-hit regions to address immediate medical needs.
Looking Ahead: Rehabilitation and Recovery
The AAP leadership emphasized that these contributions represent not just financial aid but solidarity with the people of Punjab. With crop losses, damaged infrastructure, and displaced families, the road to recovery will be long.
The funds committed through MPLADS are expected to play a crucial role in rebuilding embankments, restoring infrastructure, and strengthening future flood defenses. AAP MPs have assured continuous engagement, stressing that rehabilitation is as vital as immediate relief.
For Punjab, already grappling with agrarian challenges, these floods pose yet another test. The proactive measures by its elected representatives aim to ease suffering while highlighting the importance of swift disaster response.