BARINDER KUMAR GOYAL REVIEWS FLOOD SITUATION IN AFFECTED DISTRICTS, CALLS UP DEPUTY COMMISSIONERS
WATER RESOURCES MINISTER DIRECTS DISTRICT ADMINISTRATIONS TO ACT PROMPTLY
ASKS DEPUTY COMMISSIONERS TO ESTABLISH RELIEF CAMPS IMMEDIATELY
PRIORITY MEDICAL ASSISTANCE FOR CHILDREN, ELDERLY AND PREGNANT WOMEN
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS ORDERED FOR LIVESTOCK, FODDER AND VETERINARY CARE
DIRECTS ROUND-THE-CLOCK MONITORING OF HARIKE HEADWORKS IN TARN TARAN AND FEROZEPUR
Chandigarh, August 17:In light of rising water levels in Punjab's dams due to persistent rainfall over several days in the mountainous regions of neighboring Himachal Pradesh, Punjab Water Resources Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal today reviewed the prevailing situation in several districts through detailed telephonic conversations with the concerned Deputy Commissioners. The Minister issued strict instructions to ensure swift mitigation measures and safeguard lives and property.
Divulging further details while addressing the media persons here at Punjab Bhawan, the Cabinet Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal informed that flood-like conditions have emerged within the land between embankments of rivers passing through Kapurthala, Hoshiarpur, Gurdaspur, Fazilka and Ferozepur districts due to rising water levels in rivers and breaches in temporary embankments constructed by farmers within the flood plains.
He said that that around 14,200 acres across Kapurthala, Ferozepur and Fazilka districts have been affected by floodwaters. He specified that among the affected areas, Kapurthala district's impacted land comprises residential settlements, while the affected areas in Fazilka and Ferozepur are primarily agricultural land under cultivation. He said that both the state government and district administration are fully committed to providing all possible assistance to the affected population.
Discussing the departmental surveillance management system, the Cabinet Minister informed that field operations involve continuous 24-hour monitoring by four Superintending Engineers (SEs), 10 Executive Engineers (XENs), 20 Sub-Divisional Officers (SDOs) and 200 field staff members (including Junior Engineers). He explained that the entire vulnerable region has been systematically divided into sectors to facilitate immediate response and intervention measures.
Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal directed Deputy Commissioners to immediately set up relief camps in the affected regions to provide shelter, food and medical facilities to the displaced population. He stated that the embankments built by the department are safe and no water has overflowed from these embankments. Strict vigilance is being maintained 24x7 over these embankments by strong roster-based teams.
The Cabinet Minister further instructed Deputy Commissioners to make special arrangements for the safety and well-being of livestock, including setting up separate shelters, ensuring fodder and drinking water supplies and deploying veterinary teams in affected areas. He stressed that vulnerable groups such as children, elderly persons and pregnant women must receive priority medical assistance. He directed that arrangements for clean drinking water, mobile health units and uninterrupted supply of essential medicines must be ensured to prevent any outbreak of waterborne diseases.
The Cabinet Minister also instructed the Deputy Commissioners of Tarn Taran and Ferozepur to personally monitor the Harike headworks round-the-clock in view of increased water inflow from the Sutlej and Beas rivers due to heavy rains in upper areas.
Reiterating the commitment of the Punjab Government, Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal assured that every possible measure is being taken to protect the people of Punjab and that continuous monitoring of the situation is underway.
The Cabinet Minister was accompanied by Chief Engineer (Drainage) S. Hardeep Singh Mendiratta and Chief Engineer (Canals) S. Sher Singh.
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RIMC Admissions Open for July 2026 Term; Apply by Oct 15, 2025
Written Entrance Test to be conducted on December 7 at Chandigarh
Chandigarh, August 17:An official spokesperson of the Directorate Defence Services Welfare, Punjab, informed that the written entrance examination for admission to the Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC), Dehradun for the July 2026 Term will be conducted on 7th December 2025 (Sunday) at Lala Lajpat Rai Bhawan, Sector-15, Chandigarh.
The spokesperson further added that the prospectus-cum-application form can be obtained through online payment at www.rimc.gov.in or by sending a written request with Demand Draft in favour of The Commandant RIMC Fund. Completed applications must reach the Directorate Defence Services Welfare, Punjab, Sainik Bhawan, Sector 21-D, Chandigarh on or before 15th October 2025. Applications received after this date will not be entertained.
He said that for further information and application details, candidates may visit the official websites:
www.rimc.gov.in
www.dsw.punjab.gov.in
https://admission.schoolmitra.com/#/admission/newEnquiry/6396eff3fc26e41841a5afd6
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‘YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH’: ON DAY 169, PUNJAB POLICE CONDUCTS RAIDS AT 286 SITES; 57 DRUG SMUGGLERS HELD
— OPERATION LEADS TO REGISTRATION OF 42 FIRs, RECOVERY OF 461GMs HEROIN, ₹31K DRUG MONEY
— AS PART OF ‘DE-ADDICTION’, PUNJAB POLICE CONVINCE 45 PERSONS TO UNDERGO DE-ADDICTION TREATMENT
CHANDIGARH, August 17:Continuing the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state consecutively for the 169th day, Punjab Police conducted raids at 286 locations on Sunday leading to the arrest of 57 drug smugglers after registration of 42 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 26,023 in 169 days.
The raids have resulted in recovery of 461 grams heroin, 415 intoxicant tablets/capsules and Rs 31,550 from the possession of arrested drug smugglers.
The operation was conducted on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav simultaneously in all 28 Police districts of the state.
Notably, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann has asked the Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendent of Police to make Punjab drug free state. The Punjab government has also constituted a 5-member Cabinet Sub Committee led by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema to monitor the war against drugs.
Divulging details, Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla informed that over 120 Police teams, comprising over 1000 police personnel, under the supervision of 59 gazetted officers have conducted raids across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 335 suspicious persons during the day-long operation, he added.
The Special DGP said that with the state government has enforced a three-pronged strategy— Enforcement, Deaddiction and Prevention (EDP)— to eradicate drugs from the state, the Punjab Police as part of 'De-addiction’ has convinced 45 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.
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PUNJAB FULLY PREPARED TO TACKLE ANY FLOOD-RELATED EXIGENCY: DR BALBIR SINGH
— 438 RRTs, 323 Mobile Medical Teams, and 172 ambulances on ground to ensure timely medical aid in affected regions, says Health Minister Punjab
— Dial 104 Toll free Helpline Number to report health issues and seek assistance: Dr Balbir Singh
— Amid ‘Har Shukarvaar Dengue Te Vaar’, Punjab reports zero dengue deaths so far
— People urged to consume only boiled or chlorinated water
Chandigarh, August 17:In a proactive and swift response to the flood-like conditions affecting several districts, the Government of Punjab under the leadership of CM Bhagwant Mann has mobilized a comprehensive health and emergency response network.Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh announced that 438 Rapid Response Teams (RRTs), 323 Mobile Medical Teams, and 172 ambulances have been mobilized to ensure timely medical aid in affected regions.
Addressing a press conference at Punjab Bhawan on Sunday, Dr Balbir Singh emphasising the government’s commitment said, “Our priority is to reach every person in need and ensure no one is left without medical help during these critical times. Punjab is fully prepared to meet any health emergency arising due to floods,” he said.
Highlighting swift intervention in Gurdaspur, the Minister shared that when seven villages were cut off due to rising waters, the Health Department introduced the innovative concept of boat ambulances. “This quick response helped us rescue eight pregnant women, one of whom safely delivered her child under medical supervision. Similar measures have been implemented in the flood-hit island of Kalu in Firozpur,” he added.
He informed that Medical preparedness has been further strengthened through health camps set up in Kapurthala and Hoshiarpur, where 241 patients have already received treatment. These cases included diarrhoea, gastroenteritis, fever, skin allergies, and eye infections. With over 2,000 hospital beds kept ready across districts, the state has created a strong buffer to tackle any possible epidemic.
Reassuring citizens regarding water-borne diseases, Dr Balbir Singh said, “So far, we have seen only sporadic cases. However, people must remain vigilant. Health staff, ASHAs, and peripheral centers are well-equipped with chlorine tablets, ORS, and essential medicines. In case the number of cases rises in any particular pocket, we have seamless linkages to secondary and tertiary care hospitals for immediate treatment,” he said.
He also urged people to rely on the government’s 104 Toll free Helpline Number to report health issues and seek assistance. “Every household should consume only boiled or chlorinated water, request health teams for water quality testing, and avoid stale food to check the spread of diseases,” he emphasized.
The Punjab Health Department has been closely coordinating with SDRF, NDRF, the Military, IMA, Red Cross and NGOs to ensure medical and rescue facilities in high-risk areas including Firozpur, Fazilka, Tarn Taran, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, and Kapurthala.
Dr Balbir Singh also highlighted the encouraging results of Punjab’s ongoing ‘Har Shukarvaar, Dengue Te Vaar’ campaign launched last year. “Every Friday, we actively eliminate mosquito breeding sites with the help of panchayats and local bodies. This year till August 17, Punjab has reported zero dengue deaths, compared to 35-40 deaths annually in previous years. Dengue cases are under control, and we are continuing fumigation, larvae surveillance, and testing at a threefold increased rate,” said the Minister.
Similarly, diarrhoea outbreaks have also been significantly contained, with only three minor episodes reported this season.
Dr Balbir Singh reaffirmed that there is absolutely no shortage of medicines in any government health facility across Punjab. “Our teams are working 24/7 to protect citizens, and we are confident the state is well-prepared to handle any medical emergency caused by floods.”
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Giving new heights to dream of Punjab’s youth under Free Education Revolution, says Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan
Free coaching for PCS (Executive)-2025 Preliminary Examination for all aspiring candidates of Punjab from Raj Malhotra's IAS Study Group, Chandigarh
Chandigarh, 17 August 2025:Following the immortal principles of our revered Gurus and the sacred path shown by them, Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan informed that he approached and motivated Raj Malhotra of IAS Study Group with an aim to provide free education and coaching to aspirants of PCS exam. In this context, Raj Malhotra of IAS Study Group Chandigarh has accepted the proposal of Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker and offered him that he will provide free coaching to all the aspiring candidates of Punjab for the preparation of PCS (Executive) Preliminary Examination-2025(General Studies and CSAT). The duration of this course will be 45 days and this institution is renowned for its result-oriented.
Speaker said that interested candidates can directly contact Raj Malhotra IAS Study Group, Chandigarh for free coaching. For registration, students can send a WhatsApp message to 9814711661 with this slogan- Jo Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal. Come, join this great initiative and change your destiny.
Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan stressed that this is not just an opportunity, but the beginning of an invincible journey to realize your dreams. Under this initiative, the hard work of Punjab’s youth will get a new direction and will set new records of success.
Speaker disclosed that this step will go down in history as a revolutionary initiative for the progress of Punjab, Punjabiyat and Punjabis. With the aim to provide free education and coaching to maximum students, there is no limit on the number of students who can register in this initiative.
He advised the students to take advantage of this golden opportunity and realize your unlimited potential. Sandhwan said that success is waiting for you, just take a step forward and brighten your future.
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Punjab Government Launches “Rising Punjab – Suggestions to Solution” Series to Empower Industry
Chandigarh, 17 August 2025:The Government of Punjab has announced a special series of events titled “Rising Punjab – Suggestions to Solution” under the Udyog Kranti vision of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann. The initiative is being spearheaded by Industries & Commerce–cum–Investment Promotion Minister Sh. Sanjeev Arora.The events are designed to spread awareness about the state’s new industry-friendly policies and provide a direct platform for dialogue between the government and industry leaders.
Focus Areas
Cabinet Minister Sh, Sanjeev Arora informed that the events will highlight key reforms of the Department of Industries & Commerce, PSIEC, and the Department of Investment Promotion. Stakeholders will be guided on how to benefit from Clubbing / De-clubbing Policy, Plot Fragmentation Policy, Policy for Restoration of Cancelled Plots (via Appellate Authority), Leasehold to Freehold Policy and One Time Settlement (OTS) Scheme for pending dues.
Speaking about the initiative, Industries Minister Sh. Sanjeev Arora said that “Rising Punjab is not just about policies—it is about giving our industries a voice, listening to their needs, and finding real solutions together. Our aim is to make Punjab a hub of opportunities for investors and entrepreneurs, we are bringing Udyog Kranti in Punjab.”
Empowering Punjab’s Growth
The “Rising Punjab” events mark another step in revolutionizing the industrial ecosystem of Punjab, empowering businesses to expand, innovate, and create jobs. With this, the Government of Punjab reaffirms its pledge to build a progressive, investment-friendly, and growth-driven economy, he added.
Cabinet Minister Shri. Sanjeev Arora said that the schedule of the events are follows
Event Schedule
- Amritsar – 19th August
- Jalandhar – 20th August
- Ludhiana – 21st August
- SAS Nagar – 25th August
- Bathinda – 27th August