Dr. Baljit Kaur hands over appointment letters to two newly appointed employees of the Social Security Department

Appeals to them to work with dedication

Chandigarh, August 21:Punjab Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister, Dr. Baljit Kaur, today handed over appointment letters to two newly appointed clerks under the compassionate appointment policy in the Social Security, Women and Child Development Department at Punjab Bhawan.

Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the objective of compassionate appointments is to provide financial support to families who face hardships due to the sudden demise of their breadwinner. She added that such appointments not only bring new hope to the affected families but also reflect the government’s sensitive and humanitarian approach.

On this occasion, Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that the Punjab Government is committed to encouraging youth by providing new employment opportunities. She motivated the newly appointed employees to perform their duties with sincerity and dedication, and to serve people with a spirit of commitment.

The Minister further emphasized that employees are the backbone of any department, and their honesty and dedication ensure the successful implementation of government schemes at the grassroots level. Hence, every employee’s contribution plays a vital role in the overall development of the state.

She also reiterated that the Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, is fully committed to creating transparent and people-centric policies that generate employment opportunities for the younger generation. Such appointments, she said, not only provide financial support to families but also enhance the efficiency of government departments.

On this occasion, Joint Secretary of the Social Security, Women and Child Development Department, Mr. Anand Sagar Sharma, Deputy Director Mr. Amarjit Singh Bhullar, and Mr. Gulbahar Toor were also present.

=========================================

PUNJAB GOVT ORDERS SPECIAL GIRDAWARI IN FLOOD-AFFECTED AREAS: MUNDIAN

MANN GOVT STANDS WITH PEOPLE IN DIFFICULT TIMES: CABINET MINISTER

ASKS ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS TO ENSURE ALL POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE TO THE PUBLIC

RS.2 CRORES RELEASED FOR RELIEF OPERATIONS

HARDEEP SINGH MUNDIAN VISITS AFFECTED VILLAGES OF SULTANPUR LODHI, REVIEWS RELIEF OPERATIONS

Chandigarh/Kapurthala, August 21:Punjab Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Minister S. Hardeep Singh Mundian today announced that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government has issued orders for special girdawari to compensate for crop damage and other losses caused by rising water levels in rivers.

During his visit to the flood-affected villages of Baupur Jadeed and Sangra in Sultanpur Lodhi, where he met with affected families, S. Hardeep Singh Mundian informed that the Mann government has initiated the compensation process for crop losses.

He informed that Deputy Commissioners have been instructed to complete the special girdawari as soon as water levels recede and submit their reports promptly, so that appropriate compensation can be provided to affected people.

The Revenue Minister also disclosed that relief operations in the flood-affected districts of Kapurthala, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur and Fazilka are being monitored by a ministerial committee. The Cabinet ministers are visiting various districts to share the grief of affected people while continuously overseeing relief operations.

He further said that Rs.2 crores have been released for relief operations in Kapurthaladistrict to ensure that distribution of rations, drinking water, medicines and livestock healthcare services continues for affected people.

Responding to a query, the Cabinet Minister said that under flood prevention measures, a special campaign will be launched across Punjab to further strengthen Dhussi and advance bundhs, while stating that Dhussi bundhs are completely secure at present.

The Cabinet Minister reached affected people by boat and listened to their difficulties. Based on public demand, he also asked to deploy additional SDRF (State Disaster Response Force) teams to ensure relief operations face no obstacles. He distributed dry rations, medicines and drinking water to affected people.

The Cabinet Minister instructed district administrative officers to ensure continuous fogging in affected areas. Besides this, health department teams should conduct regular health checkups while raising awareness among people about skin diseases and water-borne disease prevention.

Stressing special attention to livestock healthcare, S. Hardeep Singh Mundian ordered veterinary doctors to visit affected villages and habitats to examine livestock.

While saluting the courage of affected people, S. Mundian assured them that the Mann Government stands with them in these difficult times and will provide all possible assistance.

Earlier, during a meeting with administrative officers at the rest house, the Cabinet Minister obtained information about water release from dams and river flow conditions.

Deputy Commissioner Amit Kumar Panchal, Chairman of Kapurthala Municipal Improvement Trust and AAP constituency in-charge Sajjan Singh Cheema, SSP Gaurav Toora and officers from other departments were also present on this occasion.

=============================================

NOW, PEOPLE CAN REPORT CYBER FRAUDS AND HIGHWAY EMERGENCIES DIALLING 112 IN PUNJAB

— PUNJAB POLICE INTEGRATES NHAI 1033 HIGHWAY HELPLINE AND CYBER HELPLINE 1930 WITH DIAL 112

— NEW INTEGRATIONS ARE ALREADY DELIVERING FASTER RESPONSE TIMES AND IMPROVED EFFICIENCY: SPL DGP ARPIT SHUKLA

— 257 ERVS AND 144 SSF VEHICLES DEPLOYED ACROSS PUNJAB ENSURING RAPID ON-GROUND INTERVENTION

CHANDIGARH, August 21:In a landmark move to make emergency services more accessible and efficient as desired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Police has integrated the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) Helpline 1033 and the Cyber Crime Helpline 1930 with the Dial 112— Punjab’s Unified Emergency Response System. This integration now allows citizens to simply dial 112 to report highway accidents, breakdowns, and hazards, as well as financial frauds and cybercrimes.

The initiative, implemented under the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav, brings multiple critical services under a single-window platform, ensuring quicker and easier access to support. Notably, earlier citizens had to call at specific helpline number to report fraud or road accident, making difficult for them to memorise different helpline numbers. Till now, 112 helpline was only used to report different crimes happening across the state.

“Now, whether you are a road user in distress on a highway or a victim of cyber fraud, a single call to 112 is all it takes. Your case will be instantly transferred between systems for faster action, eliminating duplication and cutting delays,” said Special Director General of Police (Special DGP) Law and Order Arpit Shukla, who has been directly supervising the Dial 112.

He elaborated that all highway distress calls dialing either 112 or 1033 are now linked in real-time to both police resources and NHAI, ensuring prompt action. Furthermore, victims of cybercrime can dial 112 or 1930, where their complaints are directly registered into the National Cybercrime Portal by specially trained cyber dispatchers stationed at the Dial 112 Control Room.

Terming Dial 112 as the nerve centre of Punjab’s emergency response, Special DGP Arpit Shukla said this integration has transformed it into a truly unified platform covering Police, Fire, Ambulance, Disaster, Highway Safety, and Cybercrime under one roof. He highlighted that the system is backed by 257 Emergency Response Vehicles (ERVs) and 144 dedicated Sadak Surakhya Force (SSF) vehicles deployed across the state and on highways for rapid intervention.

“Under the direct supervision of DGP Punjab Gaurav Yadav, we are committed to continuously strengthening Dial 112 with next-generation technology and integration. This step marks a major leap in enhancing citizen access to critical services and reducing response times, especially on highways and in cybercrime cases,” he added.

The Special DGP stated that the Punjab Government has placed the highest priority on this service, sanctioning a budget of ₹100 crore for new ERVs and ₹53 crore for a dedicated Dial 112 headquarters building, paving the way for one of the country's most advanced and citizen-focused emergency response systems.

========================================

Forest & Wildlife Preservation Department in process of Drafting 'The Punjab Protection of Trees Act, 2025'

Act being framed to maintain green cover, ensure ecological balance & preventing pollution of environment

Dried, Dead & Dangerous trees posing hazard to human life being felled in phase wise manner

Plantation target exceeded as 90 lakh saplings planted in comparison to 80.5 lakh planned originally

Chandigarh, August 21:The Forest and Wildlife Preservation Department, Punjab, is in the process of drafting 'The Punjab Protection of Trees Act, 2025' with the aim to maintain green cover, ensuring ecological balance and preventing the pollution of environment besides conserving the soil.

The Act would be extendable to all the urban areas of Punjab. As per the act, the limits of a Nagar Council, Municipal Corporation, Notified Area Committee, Town Area Committee or any Urban Development Authority/Body. It also has the provision of a Tree Officer which means an Executive Officer in the urban local bodies in Punjab or any other officer so notified by the State Government.

As per Section 4 of the Act, no person shall fell any tree standing in urban areas and cut, remove or dispose of any tree other than a tree which is completely dead or has fallen out without the aid of human agency in any urban area. Section 5 contains certain provisions and specific conditions in which a tree can be felled while Section 9 deals with the penalty for felling or removal of trees in contravention of the Section 4.

Chairing a meeting with the officers of the Forest and Wildlife Preservation Department at Forest Complex here today, the Minister Incharge Lal Chand Kataruchak was apprised by the officers of the department that the dried, dead and dangerous trees are being felled keeping in view the danger to human life. In the first phase 25000 dry trees would be felled.

The Minister appreciated the efforts being made by the department in respect of exceeding the plantation target in view of the 350th Martyrdom Day of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji. As many as 90 lakh saplings have been planted till now in all 23 districts of the State whereas the original target was 80.5 lakh. It was planned to plant 3.50 lakh saplings in each district.

The Minister also reviewed the status of plantation of saplings on both right & left hand sides of the highways in the districts of Ropar (With special emphasis on Sri Anandpur Sahib), Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar (Focussing on the area around the ancestral village of Shaheed Bhagat Singh at Khatkar Kalan), Sangrur, Pathankot and Amritsar. Interacting with the DFOs via video conferencing and expressing appreciation at Sangrur taking the lead in this regard, Mr. Kataruchak exhorted all to implement the project with full zeal and dedication.

On the occasion, the Minister also approved the reclassification of the categories in connection with the poetry contests being held in commemoration of the Late poet Shiv Kumar Batalvi. Now, as per modification the Primary category would include Classes 1st to 5th, Secondary category would comprise classes 6th to 8th while Classes 9th to 12th have been included in the Senior Secondary category.

Among others present included the Chairman Punjab State Forest Development Corporation Rakesh Puri, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Head of Forest Force) Dharminder Sharma, MD Punjab State Forest Development Corporation Praveen Kumar, APCCF cum CEO PUNCAMPA Saurav Gupta, APCCF (Administration) Basanta Raj Kumar, CCF (Hills) Nidhi Srivastava, and CCF Wildlife Sagar Setia.

=========================================

INTER-STATE MULE ACCOUNT RACKET INVOLVED IN CYBERCRIME FINANCIAL FRAUD BUSTED IN PUNJAB; FOUR HELD WITH ₹10.96L CASH

— POLICE TEAMS ALSO RECOVERS NINE MOBILES, ONE LAPTOP, 32 DEBIT CARDS AND 10 SIM CARDS FROM THEIR POSSESSION

— RACKET OPERATED HUNDREDS OF MULE ACCOUNTS, TRANSFERRED CRIMINAL PROCEEDS ABROAD VIA CRYPTO: DGP PUNJAB GAURAV YADAV

— ACCUSED WERE PART OF MULTIPLE CYBER FRAUD GROUPS ON TELEGRAM, WITH ADMINS SUSPECTED FROM SOUTH-EAST ASIA, SAYS SPL DGP CYBERCRIME V NEERAJA

CHANDIGARH, August 21: Punjab Police’s State Cyber Crime Wing has busted an inter-state mule account racket involved in duping thousands of victims of crores of rupees across the country with the arrest of four persons, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Thursday.

A mule account is a bank account used by criminals to receive, transfer, or launder illicit funds without the knowledge or sometimes with the complicity of the account holder.

Those arrested have been identified as Gautam (23), Ehsas (24), and Akash (20), trio residents of Amritsar, and Anmol (21) from Fazilka. Anmol is full time into operating mule accounts, Gautam is unemployed and Ehsaas has taken a hotel on contract at Amritsar and runs it, while, Akash was working for a short time in a company and presently involved in mule accounts cyber fraud racket.

Police have also effected a huge recovery of cash amounting to ₹10.96 lakh, along with nine mobile phones, one laptop, 32 debit cards, 10 SIM cards, 15 bank passbooks and one cheque book from their possession.

DGP Gaurav Yadav said that the racket was involved in obtaining bank accounts, especially from economically weaker sections for a small amount, and then using them to layer and transfer fraudulent funds acquired through various cybercrimes. “The accused were actively operating this criminal ecosystem for the last two years, using hundreds of mule accounts from different banks across Punjab to transfer illicit money abroad through cryptocurrency exchanges like Binance and DCX,” he said.

Sharing details of the operation, Special Director General of Police (Special DGP) Cyber Crime V Neeraja said that after meticulous analysis of data on 6,000 mule accounts used in cyber fraud bank transfers, which was shared by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), MHA, by DSP Ashok Kumar, Cybercrime led to the registration of the FIR at the State Cybercrime Police station and under Inspector Gaganpreet Singh and team conducted the investigation and identified the suspects.

“Based on I4C’s hotspot analysis, an FIR was registered against 300 mule accounts of Punjab Gramin Bank and investigation traced 100 mule accounts to one location, in Abohar,” she added.

The Special DGP said that the investigation revealed the accused were part of multiple cyber fraud groups on the Telegram platform, with admins suspected from South-East Asia managing the ecosystem. “The kingpins trained these local operatives on converting Indian currency into cryptocurrency. Anmol from Abohar was the key supplier, sending mule kits via courier to his associates in Amritsar, who then activated internet banking services to facilitate the transactions. They received a 10-20% commission for their services,” she said.

Meanwhile, all accused are on police remand, and further investigations are ongoing to identify the kingpins based in India and abroad, and to examine any possible involvement of bank officials.

========================================

Punjab FM demands Immediate Release of Rs.50,000 Crore by Centre to Cover GST Losses

BJP-led Central Government is destroying the financial system of the states

Chandigarh/New Delhi, August 21-Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema has strongly demanded that the Central Government immediately release compensation of Rs.50,000 crore to Punjab to cover losses after GST implementation.

After participating in the two-day meeting of the GST Ministerial Group on health and insurance, rationalizing rates, and compensation cess, Cheema said that since the implementation of GST in 2017, Punjab has suffered a total financial loss of Rs.1,11,045 crore.

He added that despite receiving approximately Rs.60,000 crore as compensation from the Centre, Rs.50,000 crore is still pending. The Central Government had announced a 5-year compensation package to states in lieu of financial losses incurred due to GST implementation, but this compensation has now been discontinued.

He said that while the Punjab Government is not opposed to the rationalisation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates, the Union Government must take responsibility for the resulting financial losses to the states.

He said that the BJP-led Central Government is continuously undermining the financial structure of states, which is a significant attack on the federal structure of the country. Cheema stated that now the Central Government is even evading the release of funds to Punjab. He mentioned that apart from GST, Rs.8,000 crore of rural development funds and over Rs.1,000 crore under the Prime Minister's Road Scheme are also being withheld.

He added that when GST was implemented, all states stood united with the country, but now when the issue of compensating states for financial losses arises, the Centre turns a blind eye."

He said that the Central Government has made 27 amendments to GST so far and has adjusted the rates 15 times. Now, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has proposed a new tax structure with two tier rates of 5% and 18%. He emphasized that even if these new GST changes are implemented, the Central Government should take responsibility for compensating states for financial losses.

Lashing at the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Union Government of repeatedly making changes to the GST system without reaching a definitive solution, Finance Minister Cheema said that this uncertainty leads to constant harassment of taxpayers and a systematic breakdown of the country’s financial framework. He pointed out that during a recent meeting on the Compensation Cess, the Centre informed that the loan repayment would be completed by October 31, and that the special tax on sin goods, which was a source of compensation for states, would also be reduced.

He criticized the GST rate rationalization, calling it irresponsible. As an example, he pointed out that while GST exemptions are being given to health and insurance, the sin tax on raw tobacco is being reduced from nearly 100% to 40%. He argued that reducing sin taxes on harmful goods is, in itself, an anti-social step." He warned that this gambling with the tax structure would cause massive harm to the nation, dismissing the centre’s promises as mere rhetoric.

=======================================

Punjab Government launches special campaign for planting fruit trees on panchayati land

Mohinder Bhagat and Tarunpreet Singh Sond jointly launch ‘Apna Pind – Apna Bagh’ campaign to promote horticulture

Fruit orchards to be planted on 65 acres of panchayati land in 9 districts in the first phase

Chandigarh, August 21:Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government has launched a special drive to plant fruit orchards on village panchayati lands to promote horticulture and encourage crop diversification across the state. With this objective, Horticulture, Defence Services Welfare and Freedom Fighters Minister Shri Mohinder Bhagat and Rural Development and Panchayats Minister Shri Tarunpreet Singh Sond jointly launched the ‘Apna Pind – Apna Bagh’ campaign today at Chandigarh. The initiative is being carried out in collaboration with the Horticulture Department and the Rural Development and Panchayats Department.

Launching the campaign, Horticulture Minister Shri Mohinder Bhagat said that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann envisions a 'Rangla Punjab' and a 'Hara Bhara Punjab', and today’s initiative is a concrete step towards realizing that vision. He informed that the orchards planted under this project will be maintained under MGNREGA for the first three years, thereby providing additional employment to workers. After three years, the orchards will be handed over to village panchayats, and the income generated will be utilized for the development of villages. He added that fruit processing from these orchards will also enhance the earnings of self-help groups.

The Minister further said that in the first phase, fruit orchards will be planted on 65 acres of panchayati land in nine districts. These include 5 acres in Gurdaspur, 22 acres in Hoshiarpur, 2.5 acres in Jalandhar, 5 acres in Ludhiana, 15 acres in Pathankot, 2 acres in Amritsar, 4 acres in Kapurthala, 6 acres in Bathinda, and 4 acres in Malerkotla. On this occasion, Minister Bhagat also released a booklet on the campaign.

He further informed that panchayats may pass a resolution and approach the government to establish orchards on their village panchayati lands.

Speaking on the occasion, Rural Development and Panchayats Minister Shri Tarunpreet Singh Sond said that earlier canal water was not being fully utilized in the state, but under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Water Resources Department is now ensuring its proper use for irrigation. He said that this remarkable initiative of the Punjab Government will boost horticulture in villages and also help conserve underground water. He further stated that the project will contribute towards mitigating global warming. Shri Sond appealed to village panchayats to come forward to plant fruit orchards on panchayati lands to strengthen the rural economy and make villages greener.

On this occasion, Secretary Rural Development and Panchayats Shri Ajit Balaji Joshi, Agriculture Commissioner Ms. Babita, Director Horticulture Ms. Shailender Kaur, Director Rural Development and Panchayats Shri Uma Shankar Gupta, Joint Development Commissioner-cum-MGNREGA Commissioner Dr. Shena Aggarwal, Chief Conservator Shri Mohinder Singh Saini and other senior Officers were present.

=========================================

Zero tolerance against corruption; Clerk nabbed red-handed taking Rs 60,000 bribe

Chandigarh, August 21, 2025: Reinforcing the zero-tolerance policy against corruption adopted by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab government, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) has arrested Balwant Singh, a clerk posted at the District Development and Panchayats Office (DDPO) Ferozepur while he was accepting a bribe of Rs 60,000.

An official spokesperson of the state VB disclosed that the accused was arrested based on a complaint filed by a resident of village Lalley, Tehsil Talwandi Bhai in Ferozepur district.

The spokesperson stated that the complainant had approached the VB alleging that he had applied for agricultural loan limit from a private bank. In his application, he had mentioned his own land only but the bank has declined to sanction this limit. Someone had informed the DDPO office that the revenue record of panchayat land was also attached with the documents to get loan limit that the complainant had been cultivating after winning it in an auction.

According to the complaint, the aforementioned Clerk has threatened the complainant regarding the submission of revenue records of the panchayat land to the bank and demanded a bribe of Rs one lakh to avoid taking any adverse action. The accused later agreed to accept Rs 60,000 as the bribe amount.

After preliminary verification of the complaint, a VB team from Ferozepur range laid a trap and caught the accused red-handed while he was accepting the bribe of Rs 60,000 from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses.

A case under the Prevention of Corruption Act has been registered against the accused at the VB police station Ferozepur range. The accused would be produced before the competent court tomorrow, and further investigation in the case is underway, he said.

============================================

STATE’S TIMELESS BEAUTY CAPTURED IN “PUNJAB IN FRAMES” PHOTO EXHIBITION: AMAN ARORA

• 3-day Photo Exhibition Concludes, Celebrating Punjab's Vibrant Culture & Rich Heritage

Chandigarh, August 21:Punjab Cabinet Minister and AAP State President Mr. Aman Arora today presided over the closing ceremony of 3-day photo exhibition 'Punjab in Frames’ organised at the Punjab Arts Council, Kala Bhavan, here. The ceremony included a poignant tribute to Dr. M.S. Randhawa, the visionary behind Punjab's Green Revolution and the architect of Chandigarh's character and soul, as Mr. Aman Arora lit a lamp in his honour in front of his bust.

After previewing the photo exhibition, Mr. Aman Arora said that the stunning photo exhibition brought Punjab's vibrant cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty to life by showcasing centuries-old monuments, historic places and serene landscapes through the artistic lens of Mr. Harpreet Sandhu, State Information Commissioner, Punjab. His captivating images beautifully encapsulated the essence of the state, celebrating its rich history and stunning landscapes.

He further said the exhibition beautifully captured Punjab's vibrant essence and enduring legacy. It highlighted the power of photography to preserve and promote the heritage of a region, reminding all who attended of the unique and timeless beauty that defines Punjab.

Dedicated to World Photography Day 2025 and held under the patronage of the Punjab Arts Council, the exhibition was commenced on Tuesday. It offered visitors an exquisite visual journey through Punjab's diverse landscape, capturing its rich cultural, historical, agricultural and religious heritage.

The closing ceremony was also attended by esteemed dignitaries, including Additional Chief Secretary Good Governance & IT Mr. DK Tiwari, Principal Secretary Animal Husbandry Mr. Rahul Bhandari, Principal Secretary Food Processing Ms. Rakhee Gupta Bhandari, Vice Chairman of Punjab Economic Policy and Planning Board Mr. Sunil Gupta, Chairman Punjab Arts Council Mr. Swaranjit Savi, Director Civil Military Affairs Western Command Colonel Jasdeep Sandhu, Former Judge Punjab & Haryana High Court Justice KS Grewal and Former Home Secretary Dr. BC Gupta.

==========================================

BARINDER KUMAR GOYAL VISITS FLOOD AFFECTED AREAS TO ASSESS RELIEF OPERATIONS IN FEROZEPUR AND TARN TARAN DISTRICTS

SAYS, MANN GOVT STANDS SHOULDER-TO-SHOULDER WITH FLOOD-AFFECTED PEOPLE DURING THIS CHALLENGING TIME

"CHIEF MINISTER ASSIGNS 8 CABINET MINISTERS FOR DIRECT OUTREACH AND MONITORING OF RELIEF OPERATIONS"

DCs, SSPs AND ALL OFFICERS/STAFF DIRECTED TO PROVIDE IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE TO FLOOD VICTIMS ON PRIORITY

Chandigarh/Ferozepur/Tarn Taran, August 21:Punjab Water Resources Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal today conducted extensive field visits to assess flood-affected areas and monitor ongoing relief operations across Ferozepur and Tarn Taran districts.

Sh. Goyal visited the severely affected villages of Tendi Wala, Gazni Wala and Dhira Ghara in Ferozepur district, where he engaged directly with distressed families and addressed their immediate concerns. The Cabinet Minister was accompanied by MLA Ferozepur Urban S. Ranbir Singh Bhullar, MLA Ferozepur Rural Sh. Rajnish Kumar Dahiya and MLA Guruharsahai Sh. Fauja Singh Sarari.

In Tarn Taran, Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal, accompanied by Cabinet Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar, conducted an inspection of the critical Dhussi bundh on River Sutlej from Harike Headworks downstream. They both assessed flood-affected areas and listened to grievances from residents and farmers of villages including Kuttiwal, Gharumm, Basti Lal Singh, Sabhra, Gadaike and Gatti Harike.

Speaking to media persons, Sh. Goyal stressed that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann is personally overseeing all relief operations and has strategically assigned 8 Cabinet Ministers to visit affected districts to ensure direct coordination with affected communities.

The Cabinet Minister assured that Deputy Commissioners, SSPs and all departmental officers have been mandated to prioritize immediate assistance to flood victims. The state government's primary focus remains on safely relocating flood-affected populations to secure locations, providing essential healthcare facilities and food supplies, ensuring proper care and protection of livestock and maintaining round-the-clock surveillance of the evolving situation, he added.

Sh. Goyal informed that the government has invested Rs.276 crore in flood prevention infrastructure. Strategic stockpiling of sandbags along embankments has been completed for immediate deployment during adverse conditions.

During the inspection at Harike Headworks, both Ministers were apprised by officials that the current water flow statistics show 11,600 cusecs at Harike Headworks, 20,000 cusecs being channeled into canal systems and 96,000 cusecs flowing downstream.

Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal reiterated that the Mann government will provide comprehensive compensation for crop losses and property damages.

Earlier in the day, Sh. Goyal conducted a strategic meeting at Husainiwala Head with Deputy Commissioner Ferozepur Deepsikha Sharma, SSP Bhupinder Singh Sidhu, Chief Engineer (Drainage) Hardeep Singh Mendiratta and other senior officials to review relief operations and issue necessary directions.

The delegation in Tarn Taran included Deputy Commissioner Rahul, SSP Deepak Parik and Chief Engineer Drainage Hardeep Singh Mendiratta along with various departmental officers and local representatives.