Punjab Launches Flood Relief on War Footing
The Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has intensified flood relief operations across several districts after heavy rainfall and mudslides in Himachal Pradesh triggered widespread flooding in the state.
According to official figures, 5,290 people have been evacuated from affected areas. The government has established relief camps, arranged food and fodder supplies, and deployed rescue teams to ensure swift assistance. Cabinet ministers and MLAs are stationed on the ground, personally supervising operations in their constituencies.
A government spokesperson stated that ministers are following the Chief Minister’s directives to review relief work directly in villages and towns.
District-Wise Rescue Operations
Floods have impacted several districts, prompting large-scale evacuations and relief measures.
- Ferozepur: Over 2,000 people rescued. Thirteen relief camps set up for 65 villages. Water Resources Minister Barinder Goyal visited relief sites and assured continued supply of food and medicines.
- Fazilka: Seven relief camps established for 24 villages in Kavanwali Pattan. Around 100 people evacuated so far. Relief packages, including dry rations and animal fodder, have been distributed.
- Gurdaspur: Around 2,000 residents rescued. Drones are being used to deliver essential supplies to Dera Baba Nanak and nearby villages.
- Amritsar: More than 710 people evacuated from flood-hit zones.
- Kapurthala: 480 families rescued, including 200 in Sultanpur Lodhi, 180 in Bholath, and 100 in Kapurthala city.
Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema visited Sangrur, where he announced that a special Girdawari (crop damage survey) will be conducted to assess losses. Compensation packages for affected families are expected soon.
Ministers on Ground Zero
Several cabinet ministers have been deployed to directly monitor rescue operations.
- Hardeep Singh Mundian, Revenue and Rehabilitation Minister, reviewed relief work in Sasrali Colony, Ludhiana.
- Harbhajan Singh ETO, Public Works Minister, supervised operations in Beas.
- Mohinder Bhagat, Cabinet Minister, inspected flood-hit villages in Sultanpur Lodhi and Baupur.
- Laljit Singh Bhullar, Transport Minister, visited multiple villages in Tarn Taran, where he led motorboat rescue efforts and ensured distribution of rations and fodder.
Their presence has reassured residents, many of whom were stranded for days before receiving aid.
Relief for People and Livestock
Beyond human rescue, the government is also prioritizing animal welfare. With large parts of rural Punjab submerged, green fodder is being arranged for cattle in relief camps. Veterinary support is also being extended in villages where livestock remains stranded.
Officials confirmed that medical camps, food packets, and temporary shelters have been provided in multiple districts. Additionally, state agencies are coordinating with volunteers and NGOs to scale up relief operations.
Long-Term Measures and Compensation
Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema emphasized that relief is not limited to immediate evacuation. The government is preparing a compensation plan for families who lost homes, farmland, or livestock.
“The administration will conduct a special Girdawari to assess crop and property damage,” Cheema said. “The government is committed to providing compensation to all affected residents.”
Chief Minister Mann has also directed departments to explore long-term flood management systems to prevent similar crises in the future.