Cabinet Ministers inspect Satluj desilting works
Chandigarh/Ludhiana/Jalandhar : Punjab Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal and Revenue Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian inspected ongoing desilting works at the Satluj river near Sasrali Colony in Ludhiana.
The Ministers directed immediate deployment of additional machinery, including floating excavators, poclains and JCBs, to speed up silt removal. Their goal is to restore the river to its original course and reduce the risk of further flooding.
Officials said the Punjab Government had already pressed advanced floating excavators into service to divert water back to its natural route. The Ministers stressed that all available resources must be mobilized without delay to secure river flow and protect flood-hit areas.
Government vows quick relief and compensation
Both Ministers assured residents that the government remains committed to relief and rehabilitation under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s leadership. They said compensation will be distributed within 45 days to all affected families.
A special girdawari (damage assessment survey) is already being carried out on priority to assess crop and property losses. Officials said the government is working closely with MLAs, officers and local teams to ensure quick support for affected households.
Later in the day, Revenue Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian visited Sahibana village, where he personally contributed Rs.50,000 from his salary. The funds were handed to Balbir Singh for urgent repair of his flood-damaged roof. Mundian also announced that additional state funds would be released soon to support families in need.
Strengthening Dhussi Bundh near Jalandhar
Meanwhile, Water Resources Minister Goyal visited Mandala Chhana village in Jalandhar district to review strengthening work at the Dhussi Bundh. The bundh is critical for containing the Satluj river and preventing further breaches.
Relief efforts there are being carried out by the Drainage Department, local volunteers, the Army, and community members. Rajya Sabha MP Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal and Additional Deputy Commissioner Jasbir Singh joined the review.
Minister Goyal said dedicated teams from the Jalandhar Administration, the Drainage Department, and Army units are working round the clock. He noted that the government has ensured uninterrupted supplies of material and manpower. Once the water level recedes, further strengthening will be undertaken to secure the bundh permanently.
State’s coordinated flood response
Officials highlighted that the government has adopted a coordinated approach to manage the crisis. While heavy machinery is being used to clear river silt, volunteers and security forces are engaged in relief distribution.
The Ministers praised the relentless efforts of the Army, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), district officials and local sangat (community groups). They said such collective action demonstrates the resilience of Punjab’s people in the face of recurring flood challenges.
With monsoon pressures continuing, authorities are treating bundh repairs and desilting as urgent priorities. Residents across Ludhiana and Jalandhar districts are being assured of timely aid, compensation, and long-term security from river flooding.