Punjab Government Steps Up Flood Relief Efforts
Chandigarh, August 31: Punjab Chief Secretary K.A.P. Sinha visited flood-affected areas in Amritsar and Pathankot districts on Sunday, assessing damage and overseeing ongoing relief operations.
Sinha reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting residents during this crisis. “Relief and rescue operations are in full swing, and once the situation normalizes, a special Girdawari survey will be conducted to ensure proper compensation for all losses,” he said.
The Chief Secretary added that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has formed a high-powered relief committee. Three senior officers have been deputed in Amritsar district to supervise and assist in flood relief work.
Field Visits Highlight Flood Damage
Acting on the directions of the Chief Minister, Sinha visited Ajnala and Ramdas in Amritsar, and Bamiyal and Narot Jaimal Singh blocks in Pathankot. He also inspected the Dhussi embankment along the Ravi River, a critical area affected by flooding.
During his visit, he personally assessed villages surrounded by floodwaters, interacted with residents, and gathered feedback on relief efforts provided by the district administration. In several locations, he distributed relief materials and advised villagers to move to safer areas.
Sinha later held a detailed review meeting with district officials and army personnel, evaluating the progress of rescue operations and discussing strategies to expedite relief. He commended the continuous efforts of the army, NDRF, police, and civil administration.
Ravi River Embankment Damage Impacts Pathankot
In Pathankot, excessive water in the Ravi River damaged the Dhussi embankment, leading to flooding in nearby villages, including Bamiyal and Kolian. Sinha noted that the water level has now receded, and floodwaters in affected areas are gradually decreasing.
He instructed officials to accelerate relief efforts, ensuring that maximum assistance reaches affected residents. Sinha emphasized coordination between the NDRF, Health Department, and other agencies to provide timely relief and medical aid.
Key Officials Present During Relief Operations
Several senior officials accompanied the Chief Secretary during his visits, including:
- Krishan Kumar, Principal Secretary, Water Resources Department
- Kamal Kishore Yadav, Varun Roojam, Basant Garg, Senior IAS Officers deputed for relief work
- Sakshi Sahni, Deputy Commissioner, Amritsar
- Swapan Sharma, SSP, Amritsar
- Anil Taluktra, NDRF Deputy Commander
- Colonel Robin Ethany, Army Officer
- Aditya Uppal, Deputy Commissioner, Pathankot
- Daljinder Singh Dhillon, SSP, Pathankot
- Hardeep Singh, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General)
Their joint presence ensured effective coordination between civil administration, disaster response teams, and the armed forces for timely assistance.
Compensation for Flood Losses
Sinha confirmed that the government will provide compensation for damages caused by floods once a thorough survey is completed. This will include agricultural losses, property damage, and other livelihood impacts.
The Chief Secretary urged officials to prioritize relief operations and maintain continuous communication with affected residents. “Our focus is to safeguard lives, minimize property damage, and support communities in this difficult time,” he said.