From Relief Material to Healthcare Services - Mann Government Standing Shoulder to Shoulder with Flood-Affected Families

- Government machinery working round the clock to provide every possible support to flood affected families

- Cabinet Minister Aman Arora dispatched 11 relief trucks from Sunam to flood-hit areas

- Panchayat Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond reviewed relief operations in Fazilka

- Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian visited affected villages

- Jail & Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar distributed ration in several villages of Tarn Taran

- Cabinet Ministers Lal Chand Kataruchakk and Dr. Balbir Singh inspected flood-hit villages in Bhoa region

Chandigarh, August 30:Relief efforts in Punjab’s flood-affected areas are being carried out on a war footing with the active involvement of the state government, voluntary organizations, and local communities. Alongside the continuous supply of relief material, special attention is being given to healthcare services to ensure the well-being of affected families.

Cabinet Minister and Punjab AAP State President Aman Arora flagged off 11 truckloads of relief material from Sunam for flood-affected districts. These trucks carried ration kits, essential food items, and cattle fodder to support families in distress.

Rural Development & Panchayats Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond, on the second day of his visit to Fazilka district, reviewed flood relief measures with the local administration. He informed that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the first phase of ration distribution covering 3,835 families has been completed, and the second round of distribution has already begun. Sond added that round-the-clock medical teams have been deployed at Pattan Post, Kawanwali Pattan, and Attu Wala Bridge, while drinking water sampling is being done regularly and tested at the Chandigarh laboratory. So far, 1,500 patients have been treated free of cost, and 14 veterinary teams are operational in the district.

Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian also visited flood-hit areas of Fazilka amidst heavy rains. Interacting with affected families at village Ghurka, he assured them that the Punjab Government stands firmly with them in this hour of crisis.

Meanwhile, Jail and Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar visited several villages of Tarn Taran, including Kot Budha, Bhojoke, Jhuggian Pir Bakhsh, Radalke, Ram Singh Wala, Sabhra, and Rasoolpur. He personally led the distribution of dry ration, drinking water, food supplies, and fodder for livestock. Bhullar assured that no family would be left without ration support.

Cabinet Ministers Lal Chand Kataruchakk and Dr. Balbir Singh visited flood-affected villages in the Bhoa region, including Narot Jaimal Singh, Jaidepur, Bamiyal, Bhagwal, and Kohliyan Adda. They also inspected the Ravi river situation and flagged off additional relief trucks loaded with ration from Sarna.

Dr. Balbir Singh informed that the Health Department is organizing 27 medical camps daily, benefiting 500–600 people every day with free check-ups and medicines.

The Punjab Government reiterated its commitment to stand resolutely with the flood-affected families, ensuring that no household is left without food, medical aid, or essential support.

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CENTRE’S NEGLIGENCE HAS WORSENED PUNJAB’S WORST FLOOD IN THE LAST 37 YEARS: BARINDER KUMAR GOYAL

HAD BBMB RELEASED WATER IN TIME IN JUNE, THE SCALE OF DESTRUCTION COULD HAVE BEEN CONTROLLED: WATER RESOURCES MINISTER

FORGET PROVIDING SUPPORT TO PUNJAB, THE PRIME MINISTER HAS NOT EVEN COMMENTED ON THE FLOOD SITUATION YET: BARINDER KUMAR GOYAL

Chandigarh, August 30:Punjab Water Resources Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal today came down heavily on the Union Government, holding it responsible for aggravating Punjab’s worst flood in the last 37 years.

Addressing the press conference here at Punjab Bhawan, the Cabinet Minister said that timely release of water by the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) in June could have significantly reduced the devastation. The Cabinet Minister further lamented that even as lakhs of people in Punjab continue to suffer, the Prime Minister has not made a single statement on the crisis, let alone extend any support to the state.

Raising concern over Haryana’s approach, the Cabinet Minister alleged that while Haryana, on one hand, sends letters offering help, on the other, it has also communicated that Punjab be left to drown by reducing Haryana’s share of water flow during this monsoon from 7,900 cusecs to 6,250 cusecs to protect its canal systems and population, thereby leaving Punjab to its fate. He added that despite repeated requests, BBMB failed to release adequate water from dams in June, which could have helped mitigate the impact of floods in Punjab.

The Minister further disclosed that a private company "Level 19 Biz Private Limited," which had been engaged in 2024 to assess the structural strength of Madhopur headworks gates, wrongly certified them as capable of withstanding 6.25 lakh cusecs of water. However, the gates failed to manage even half the certified capacity, leading to their collapse and the tragic death of a department employee. Sh. Goyal said this grave lapse has not only exposed negligence but also worsened the crisis. A strict notice has been served to the company and punitive action is being initiated.

Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal said that due to heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir, coupled with the convergence of water from khuds and nullahs into the regulated discharge from the state’s rivers, Punjab is witnessing one of the most devastating floods in its history, far worse than the catastrophic floods of 1988. He pointed out that although only 2.15 lakh cusecs of water was released into Ravi river from Ranjit Sagar Dam, the additional flow from khuds and nullahs of adjoining states turned the situation into massive destruction. He said that the regulated discharge aggravated by the sudden convergence of floodwaters from khuds and nullahs has surpassed all previous records, causing widespread devastation across seven districts of the state.

Sh. Goyal revealed that in 1988, river Ravi had carried 11.20 lakh cusecs of water, whereas this year it has reached 14.11 lakh cusecs. Out of this, around 2.15 lakh cusecs were released from Ranjit Sagar Dam while the remaining flow came from khuds, nullahs and catchment areas of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and Punjab. “This unprecedented surge directly impacted three districts with waters of the Ravi, while four other districts suffered heavy losses due to floods from Beas and Sutlej rivers, inflicting massive damage to standing crops, livestock and habitation,” he said.

Highlighting the relief and rescue measures, the Cabinet Minister informed that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government ensured timely evacuation and protection of lives. Over 11,330 people were rescued and shifted to 87 relief camps where food, shelter and medical care were provided. Nearly 110 persons were airlifted from marooned areas with assistance from NDRF, SDRF and Army teams. “The foremost priority of the Punjab Government was to save every life. From senior district officials to patwaris and volunteers, every arm of the government worked on the ground with the people,” he added.

The Water Resources Minister also clarified that extensive evacuation of livestock has been carried out. Market committee sheds and relief shelters were used to accommodate animals in affected areas of Ferozepur and Fazilka, with large quantities of fodder supplied by the government and voluntary organizations. “Our government gave special attention to livestock because unlike humans, they cannot raise a cry for help. We ensured that no animal was left unattended,” he noted.

Commenting on the opposition’s remarks, Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal said this is not the time for blame games but for united action. He appealed to all political, social and religious leaders to rise above party lines and extend full cooperation in relief operations. He also underlined the need for states to be empowered with the authority to assess damages and disburse compensation from the national disaster pool since they are closest to ground realities.

Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Mr. Jitender Pal Singh, Chief Engineer (Headquarters) and other senior officers.

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Employees of Excise and Taxation Dept Pledge One-Day Salary to Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for Flood Victims

Finance Minister Cheema Praises Department's initiative, Says Collective Effort Key to tackle Natural Crises

Chandigarh, August 30 -In a show of solidarity with the victims of the recent floods in Punjab, employees of the Department of Excise and Taxation have unanimously decided to contribute their one day's salary to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund. The voluntary contribution aims to provide financial assistance and support for relief and rehabilitation efforts across the state.

Revealing this in press communique issued here, the official spokesperson of the Excise and Taxation department said that the decision was made by employees at all levels of the department, reflecting a shared commitment to helping those affected by the devastating floods. He said the funds will be directly deposited into the Chief Minister's Relief Fund, which is being used to provide immediate aid, shelter, food, and medical assistance to flood-affected families.

The spokesperson further stated, "Our colleagues felt a strong sense of duty to help our fellow citizens in this time of crisis. This contribution is a small but heartfelt gesture to support the government's ongoing efforts and to let our people of Punjab know that we stand with them."

Lauding the initiative of the Department of Excise and Taxation, the Finance, Planning, Excise and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema said that this initiative will encourage other government departments and organizations to come forward and contribute to the relief fund. Cheema, who along with his cabinet colleagues had previously donated one month's salary, emphasised the importance of a collective effort to rebuild and recover the state and its people from the disaster.

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Relief Operations in Punjab in Full Swing: 4,711 Flood-Affected People Rescued in Past 24 Hours

- A total of 11,330 people evacuated so far from flood-hit areas

- 77 relief camps operational, sheltering 4,729 people

- NDRF, SDRF, Punjab Police and Army actively engaged in rescue and relief

- Smooth distribution of relief material across seven worst-affected districts

Chandigarh, August 30:With swift and proactive response of the Punjab Government, as many as 4,711 flood-affected people were evacuated and shifted to safer places during the past 24 hours. These include 812 residents of Ferozepur, 2,571 from Gurdaspur, 4 from Moga, 60 from Tarn Taran, 25 from Barnala, and 1,239 from Fazilka.

According to reports received from different districts, a total of 11,330 people have been rescued so far from nine flood-hit districts. These include 2,819 from Ferozepur, 1,052 from Hoshiarpur, 240 from Kapurthala, 4,771 from Gurdaspur, 24 from Moga, 1,100 from Pathankot, 60 from Tarn Taran, 25 from Barnala, and 1,239 from Fazilka.

Currently, 77 relief camps are fully operational out of 87 set up in flood affected areas, providing shelter to 4,729 people. The administration is taking care of all the essential needs of these people. In Kapurthala, 110 people are staying in four camps; in Ferozepur, 3,450 people are housed in eight camps; Hoshiarpur has 20 camps with 478 people; Gurdaspur has 12 active camps with 255 people; Pathankot has 14 camps with 411 people; Barnala has one camp housing 25 people; Fazilka has 11 camps, Moga five, and Amritsar two.

A spokesperson informed that relief material was distributed in Kapurthala on August 15, 27, 28, and 29, and distribution will continue as required. Similarly, regular relief supplies are being provided in Ferozepur, Gurdaspur, Moga, Pathankot, Fazilka, and Barnala.

The NDRF, SDRF, Punjab Police and Army are playing a vital role in the operations with active support from local communities. Seven NDRF teams are deployed in Gurdaspur, one each in Fazilka and Ferozepur, and two in Pathankot. SDRF has deployed two teams in Kapurthala. The Army, BSF, and Air Force are also engaged in operations in Kapurthala, Gurdaspur, Ferozepur, and Pathankot. Alongside the civil administration, Punjab Police is extending full support to the affected people.

Floods have so far affected 1,018 villages across Punjab. These include 81 in Pathankot, 52 in Fazilka, 45 in Tarn Taran, 64 in Sri Muktsar Sahib, 22 in Sangrur, 101 in Ferozepur, 107 in Kapurthala, 323 in Gurdaspur, 85 in Hoshiarpur, and 35 in Moga.

The state has also suffered huge financial losses due to crop damage and livestock loss. As per reports from district headquarters, 16,632 hectares (41,099 acres) of land have been affected in Fazilka, 10,806 hectares in Ferozepur, 11,620 hectares in Kapurthala, 7,000 hectares in Pathankot, 9,928 hectares in Tarn Taran, and 5,287 hectares in Hoshiarpur.

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GANGSTER LAKHBIR LANDA BEHIND JEWELLER ATTACK CASE; MAIN SHOOTER HELD

— ARRESTED SHOOTER WAS ACTING ON DIRECTIONS OF FOREIGN-BASED GANGSTER LAKHBIR LANDA: DGP GAURAV YADAV

— THIS IS THIRD ARREST IN JEWELLER ATTACK CASE, SAYS ADGP AGTF PROMOD BAN

CHANDIGARH, August 30:In a major breakthrough against organized crime amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Police’s Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) has arrested a main shooter involved in Jeweller attack case, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Saturday.

The arrested accused has been identified as Jagroshan Singh, a resident of Naushera Pannuan in TarnTaran. The accused has no criminal background.

As per the information, some unidentified persons opened fire at an owner of a jewellery shop in Zira, district Ferozepur, on August 14, 2025, at around 6 PM. The latter had sustained serious injuries in the attack.

DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigation has revealed that the shooters acted on the directions of foreign-based gangster Lakhbir Singh alias Landa. Further investigation is underway to establish forward and backward linkages in this case to unearth the entire network, he said.

Sharing operation details, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) AGTF Promod Ban said that acting on reliable inputs, police teams from AGTF led by DSP AGTF Rajan Parminder arrested the accused Jagroashan from the Canal Bridge on Jhatra Road in Village Mansur Dewa in Zira.

The ADGP said that Jagroshan is the third accused, who was the main shooter, arrested in this jeweller attack case. Earlier, two other accused persons, identified as Harjeet alias Jeeta and Sanmukh alias Sunny, had already been apprehended by the teams of the AGTF, he added.

In this regard, a case FIR No. 87 dated 15.08.2025 under sections 109 and 309 (6) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and sections 25 and 27 of the Arms Act had already been registered at Police Station Zira.

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