Punjab is grappling with severe flooding in several districts, prompting a united front from the state's political leaders to provide relief and support to affected communities. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, along with his entire cabinet and all Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs, have decided to donate one month's salary towards flood relief efforts in the state. This decision highlights the government's commitment to assisting those impacted by the natural disaster.
CM Mann stated that Punjab has suffered significant losses due to the heavy rains and overflowing rivers, emphasizing the need for all Punjabis to come together during this challenging time. In a post on X, Mann conveyed the importance of collective support, stating that while no one can control nature's fury, unity and mutual assistance are crucial. He affirmed the state government's dedication to providing aid and ensuring the well-being of its citizens in this crisis.
The Chief Minister's gesture has been echoed by other political factions within the state. Leader of Opposition in the Punjab Assembly, Partap Singh Bajwa, announced that all Congress MLAs will also contribute one month's salary to the Chief Minister's Flood Relief Fund. Bajwa described this contribution as a humble gesture of empathy during these trying times and urged citizens and organizations to step forward and support relief and rehabilitation efforts.
Several districts in Punjab have been severely affected by the floods, with the Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi rivers inundating large areas of farmland and villages. The most affected districts include Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Fazilka, Kapurthala, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Hoshiarpur, and Amritsar. The Indian Army and 17 NDRF teams have been deployed in these districts to conduct rescue operations, evacuate stranded people, assess damage, and prevent disease outbreaks.
In response to the escalating crisis, CM Mann has constituted a high-powered committee comprising senior officers from the Revenue, Water Resources, and Food and Civil Supplies departments to supervise relief and rescue operations in the flood-affected districts. The committee will remain stationed in Amritsar and other affected areas to ensure effective coordination and on-the-ground support.
The state government is taking measures to provide essential resources to those affected by the floods. These include ensuring clean drinking water through water tankers, distributing ration kits, and providing medical teams for preventive care against diseases in every village. Veterinary teams are also being deployed to treat and vaccinate affected cattle, deworm animals, and provide feed and fodder.
While the government and various organizations are working to provide relief, challenges remain. Aam Aadmi Party MLA Naresh Kataria criticized the administration's preparedness, alleging that officials ignored repeated requests to take preventive measures. Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar criticized the state government’s utilization of disaster funds, stating that the central government has released funds for disaster management in Punjab, but the state government has failed to utilize these funds effectively.
Despite these challenges, the united effort from the Chief Minister, cabinet ministers, AAP MLAs, and Congress MLAs to donate their salaries reflects a collective commitment to supporting the flood-affected families of Punjab. The state government and administration are working to provide necessary aid, rescue operations, and rehabilitation to help the people of Punjab overcome this crisis.
