ALL SKILL DEVELOPMENT CENTRES, C-PYTE CAMPS & ARMED FORCES PREPARATORY INSTITUTES CLOSED TILL SEPTEMBER 7: AMAN ARORA

Chandigarh, September 3:In view of the heavy rainfall and prevailing flood situation in the state, the Armed Forces Preparatory Institutes situated in Mohali, all Skill Development Centres and C-PYTE Camps across Punjab will remain closed till September 7, 2025, informed Mr. Aman Arora, Minister of Employment Generation, Skill Development and Training, Punjab.

The Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government has taken this decision as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and well-being of trainees, staff and stakeholders.The closure of these institutes will allow the authorities to focus on relief and rescue operations in the affected areas.

Mr. Aman Arora urged all the stakeholders to cooperate and adhere to the guidelines issued by the local administration and state government. "The safety of trainees and staff is our top priority," he emphasised while adding that the state government is closely monitoring the situation to ensure the safety of citizens and their assets.

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PUNJAB GOVT RELEASES RS.71 CRORE FOR FLOOD RELIEF AND REHABILITATION AS IMMEDIATE MEASURE

RS.35.50 CRORE ALLOCATED EARLIER, ADDITIONAL RS.35.50 CRORE SANCTIONED FOR 12 WORST-AFFECTED DISTRICTS

Chandigarh, September 3:Punjab Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Minister S. Hardeep Singh Mundian today informed that the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government is fully committed to compensating the losses suffered by the people during the floods and ensuring timely relief and rehabilitation.

He informed that as a immediate measure, the State Government has released a total Rs.71 crore to deal with the situation. While Rs.35.50 crore had already been released to all districts in the first phase, an additional Rs.35.50 crore has now been sanctioned for 12 flood-affected districts that have borne the maximum brunt of devastation.

Sharing the district-wise details, Additional Chief Secretary-cum-Financial Commissioner Revenue Sh. Anurag Verma stated that these additional funds have been allocated as follows: Amritsar-Rs.5 crore, Bathinda-Rs.2 crore, Barnala-Rs.1 crore, Faridkot-Rs.1 crore, Ferozepur-Rs.5 crore, Fazilka-Rs.5 crore, Fatehgarh Sahib-Rs.1 crore, Gurdaspur-Rs.6.5 crore, Hoshiarpur-Rs.3 crore, Jalandhar-Rs.5 crore, Kapurthala-Rs.5 crore, Ludhiana-Rs.5 crore, Moga-Rs.1.5 crore, Mansa-Rs.1 crore, Malerkotla-Rs.1 crore, Patiala-Rs.5 crore, Pathankot-Rs.4 crore, Rupnagar-Rs.2.5.crore, Sri Muktsar Sahib-Rs.2 crore, SAS Nagar-Rs.2 crore, SBS Nagar-Rs.1 crore, Sangrur-Rs.1.5 crore and Tarn Taran-Rs.5 crore.

S. Hardeep Singh Mundian reiterated that every possible step is being taken to safeguard lives and property and to ensure that affected families are provided necessary support without delay. He said that the Mann Government is working on both immediate relief and long-term rehabilitation measures, with special focus on farmers who have faced severe crop damage.

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Punjab’s all Educational Institutions to remain closed till September 7: Harjot Bains

Chandigarh, September 3:Keeping in view of heavy downpour and prevailing flood situation in the state, the Punjab Government has decided to keep all the educational institutions— including Government, Aided, Recognised and Private Schools, Colleges, Universities and Polytechnic Institutes across Punjab— closed till September 7, 2025, informed S. Harjot Singh Bains, Minister of Education, Punjab, here on Wednesday.

This decision has been taken following the directions of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann to ensure safety and well-being of students and staff, said S. Bains, while adding that the state government has been working tirelessly to mitigate the impact of the floods and ensure the welfare of its citizens.

In view of the current situation, all citizens are being requested to strictly adhere to the guidelines and instructions issued by the local administration and the state government. He also urged the public to cooperate and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.

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Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan writes a letter to Prime Minister of India for providing special relief package in wake of devastating floods in Punjab

Chandigarh, September 03:Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S Kultar Singh Sandhwan has written a demi-official letter to Prime Minister of India Sh. Narendra Modi for bringing his immediate kind attention towards the catastrophic floods that have ravaged Punjab State in recent days.

Being the head of Punjab Legislative Assembly, Speaker has requested to release a special relief package for the flood affected areas of Punjab alongwith the release of pending funds of Rs 60,000 crores due for Punjab, as Punjab Chief Minister has also already requested the Government of India.

Speaker Sandhwan requested the Prime Minister of India that this calamity has resulted in an enormous loss of life, property, livestock and has not only farming community into severe distress but also have caused incalculable loss to farm labourers / industrial labourers, shopkeepers / retailers and industries across the State.

He added that this situation is unprecedented, reminiscent of the horrors of 1988, with water levels in rivers like Ravi, Beas and Sutlej rising beyond the historical records due to torrential rains in the region.

Highlighting further, Speaker Sandhwan said that as per the recent reports, the floods have claimed more than 29 lives and affected more than 1300 villages across Punjab leading to displacement of thousands of families and as many as 14000 people have been evacuated /rescued by the administration and rescue forces.

In addition, the floods have caused extensive damage to crops across approximately 3 lakh acres, destroying standing harvests and rendering fields unusable for the upcoming season. Additionally, countless livestock have perished, leaving farmers in dire straits and exacerbating their financial hardship. The recent floods have badly affected industries in Punjab by disrupting manufacturing units, supply chains and causing losses across industrial sectors such as textiles, agro-processing, engineering, logistics etc.

Given the gravity of the situation, Sandhwan earnestly requested the Prime Minister to take prompt action on some measures such as immediate special relief package for the affected people of Punjab covering compensation for losses in agriculture, livestock, shop keeping, industry and rebuild damaged infrastructure.

He stressed upon to release of the balance amount of the Rural Development Fund and all other pending central fund to Punjab enabling rural rehabilitation and development. Besides this, Banks/Financial institutions should provide urgent relief to farmers and small businesses such as moratoriums on loan payments, rescheduling loans and interest waivers to safeguard their financial stability and fresh start.

Speaker Sandhwan requested the Prime Minister of India to enhance the Punjab's management quota in Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) and ensure to fill these posts from Punjab cadre officers to manage and coordinate critical water resources and flood response.

In his letter, Sandhwan said that urgent need is required to introduce village level crop insurance scheme by replacing existing insurances / polices that benefit insurance companies over farmers, ensuring comprehensive and prompt insurance payments to the farmers who are not even registered under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana.

He further stressed upon official declaration of the Punjab floods as a National Disaster so that the extensive central resources and statutory support mechanisms are triggered for relief and recovery on war footing.

Punjab stands at a crossroads, relying upon the empathy and intervention of the nation's highest office, we are confident that under your esteemed leadership, our State will receive prompt assistance and effective long-term solution, he added. Sandhwan sincerely hope that this matter will receive your urgent attention and appropriate action will be taken at the highest level.

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CROP LOSS ACROSS 1.75 LAKH HECTARES IN FLOODS: HARDEEP SINGH MUNDIAN

OVER 3.55 LAKH PEOPLE AFFECTED, AROUND 20,000 EVACUATED AND 167 RELIEF CAMPS FUNCTIONAL IN THE STATE

Chandigarh, September 3: Punjab Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Minister S. Hardeep Singh Mundian today said that the State is reeling under one of the worst floods in recent decades with widespread crop devastation reported across 1,75,216 hectares of farmland. The Minister said that Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Mansa, Ferozepur and Fazilka are among the worst-hit districts, accounting for the bulk of the agricultural losses. He added that the scale of damage to crops, villages and population underlines the severity of the calamity that has gripped 23 districts of Punjab.

Giving details of relief operations, S. Hardeep Singh Mundian said that over 20,000 persons have been evacuated from low-lying and severely affected areas. Major evacuations were carried out in Gurdaspur (5581 persons), Ferozepur (3495), Amritsar (2734), Fazilka (2422), Hoshiarpur (1615), Kapurthala (1428), Pathankot (1139), Barnala (369), Jalandhar (474), Mansa (16), Rupnagar (65), Moga (115) and Tarn Taran (21).

To accommodate the displaced, 167 relief camps have been established across the State, which include 29 camps in Barnala, 26 in Patiala, 23 in SBS Nagar, 11 each in Fazilka and Jalandhar, 16 in Amritsar, 14 in Pathankot, 13 in Gurdaspur, 8 in Ferozepur, 5 in Hoshiarpur, 3 in Rupnagar, 4 in Kapurthala, 2 in Moga and 1 each in Mansa and Sangrur. In these camps, 5304 people are currently sheltered. The largest numbers are housed in Fazilka (1468), Hoshiarpur (1041), Ferozepur (706), Amritsar (371), Jalandhar (474), Barnala (369), Pathankot (417), Mansa (163), Moga (115), Sangrur (75), Kapurthala 57, Rupnagar (35) and Gurdaspur (13), he added.

The Revenue Minister informed that 1655 villages have been inundated affecting a population of 3,55,709 persons. He that the most severely affected districts include Gurdaspur (324 villages), Amritsar (190), Kapurthala (123), Hoshiarpur (121), Mansa (114), Ferozepur (111), Pathankot (88), Fazilka (77), Sangrur (107), Tarn Taran (70), Jalandhar (64), Patiala (53) and SBS Nagar (44). Smaller but significant impacts have been reported in Bathinda (13), Faridkot (15), Rupnagar (5), Ludhiana (26), Barnala (37), Sri Muktsar Sahib (24), Malerkotla (7), SAS Nagar (13) and Moga (29).

The Revenue Minister informed that a total of 3,55,709 people have been affected, with Amritsar (1,17,534), Gurdaspur (1,45,000), Ferozepur (39,076) and Fazilka (21,562) among the worst hit. Other districts reporting impact include Pathankot (15,053), Kapurthala (5728), SAS Nagar (7,000), Hoshiarpur (1966) and Jalandhar (991), while smaller numbers were reported in Barnala (476), Moga (800), Rupnagar (300), Mansa (163) and Tarn Taran (60).

Divulging damages on the agricultural front, the Revenue Minister said that 1,75,216 hectares of standing crops have been damaged in the state. Gurdaspur alone has suffered losses over 40,169 hectares, followed by Mansa (24,967), Amritsar (23,000 hectares), Fazilka (17,786), Ferozepur (17,620), Kapurthala (14,934), Tarn Taran (12,828), Sangrur (6560), Hoshiarpur (5971), Pathankot (2442), Jalandhar (3000), SAS Nagar (2000), Patiala (600), Moga (2240), Bathinda (586), Rupnagar (300), SBS Nagar (181) and Ludhiana (32).

S. Mundian informed that 37 human lives have been lost across 12 districts, while three persons remain missing in Pathankot. The highest fatalities have been reported in Hoshiarpur (7), Pathankot (6) and Barnala (5), followed by Amritsar and Ludhiana with 4 each, while 3 each deaths reported in Bathinda and Mansa, 1 each in Gurdaspur, Patiala, Rupnagar, SAS Nagar and Sangrur.

He said that in rescue operations, total 22 NDRF teams are active in districts including Amritsar and (Gurdaspur (4 each), Pathankot, Ferozepur and Fazilka (3 each), Jalandhar (2), Bathinda, Rupnagar and Kapurthala (1 each). The Army, Air Force and Navy have deployed columns with engineers in the district including Gurdaspur (3), Pathankot, Rupnagar and Amritsar (2 each) and Kapurthala, Ferozepur and Fazilka (1 each).

He said that around 35 helicopters deployed to aid evacuation and supply of relief material. The BSF has been supporting efforts in border district Gurdaspur. The State Government has also deployed 117 boats and a state helicopter to intensify relief operations.

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RTI Commission orders formation of SIT to investigate issuance of police clearance certificate to fugitive

Chandigarh, September 3:The Punjab State Information Commission, while hearing a case, has ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the issuance of a police clearance certificate to a person facing criminal charges.

A spokesperson of the Commission stated that during the hearing of Appeal Case No. 3820/2023, filed by Ms. Geetika, daughter of Mr. Anil Kumar, resident of Gurdwara Marg, Makhu Tehsil Zira, District Ferozepur, against the Public Information Officer, Office of ADCP-3, Commissioner of Police, Ludhiana, and the First Appellate Authority, Commissioner of Police, Ludhiana, it came to light that Sahil Malhotra, son of Rakesh Malhotra and Mamta Rani, resident of Plot No. 90, Street No. 5, New Shivpuri Road, Preet Nagar, Ludhiana, had a case registered against him (FIR No. 22 dated 03.12.2018 at Women Cell, Ferozepur) under Sections 498-A and 406 of the IPC.

Despite this, he was issued a police clearance certificate by Punjab Police for obtaining a passport.

After hearing the matter, the Chief Information Commissioner, Punjab, Shri Inderpal Singh Dhanna, directed the Director General of Police, Punjab, to constitute an SIT and conduct a thorough inquiry into the case. The SIT has been asked to submit its report to the Commission within six months.

Additionally, the Commission has ordered strict action against officers and employees who furnished incorrect information to the Punjab State Information Commission in this matter.

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PUCA DONATES ₹11 LAKH TO PUNJAB FLOOD RELIEF EFFORTS

• PUCA delegation presents cheque to EM Harjot Singh Bains to contribute in CM Flood Relief Fund

Chandigarh, September 3:In a heartening display of solidarity, the Punjab Un-Aided Colleges Association (PUCA) handed over a cheque of Rs 11 lakh to Punjab Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains at Nangal, to support relief efforts in flood-affected areas of Punjab.

Dr. Anshu Kataria, Chairman of Aryans Group of Colleges and President of PUCA, led delegation met the Education Minister at Nangal, where S. Harjot Singh Bains is leading the rescue and relief operations to support the people in need. The delegation included Mr. Sumandeep Singh Walia, Senior Deputy Advocate General of Punjab; Mr. Nirmal Singh Rayat, Chancellor of Lamrin Tech University; Mr. Ashok Garg from SVIET Group; Mr. Rajiv Jindal from Ram Devi Jindal College and Mr. Harinder Kanda from Quest Group.

S. Harjot Singh Bains praised the PUCA and its member institutions for their generosity, while expressing gratitude for their support during this difficult time. He highlighted that their contribution will provide crucial relief and help the state government in rehabilitating families affected by the floods.

Dr. Anshu Kataria assured the Education Minister that PUCA and its member colleges stand united with the Punjab Government to ensure timely assistance and support to affected families. This gesture highlights PUCA and its member institutions' commitment towards supporting the state's relief efforts. He said that SWIFT Group, Lamrin Tech University, CGC University, GNA University, Amritsar Group, Quest Group, Global Group, Ram Devi Jindal Group, Indo Global Group, Akaal Group, LCET Group, Gulzar Group, BIS Group, SVIET Group, Aryans Group, Baba Sri Chand College, Baba Kundan College, and SBS Group, have contributed to Punjab Chief Minister Flood Relief Fund.

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Plugging the gaps: Bhullar and Harbhajan ETO join hands to strengthen vulnerable points of River Beas

Entire machinery of the state government swung into action to save the people

Urges people to remain alert and vigilant

Chandigarh / Tarn Taran, September 3:Punjab Cabinet Ministers Laljit Singh Bhullar and Harbhajan Singh ETO, along with Senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, on Wednesday visited the villages Marah and Keeryan in District Tarn Taran to take stock of the vulnerable points along the River Beas.

During the visit, the leaders reviewed the condition of embankments and interacted with local residents to assess the immediate challenges posed by rising river waters. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the Cabinet Ministers and Mr. Sisodia, with the active support of the local community and the district administration, joined hands in strengthening the river’s weak points using gunny bags and crates.

Speaking on the occasion, the leaders said that the Punjab Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is fully committed to safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of people in flood-prone areas. Immediate remedial measures are being ensured while long-term solutions are also being devised to prevent damage to agricultural land and habitation.

The Ministers appreciated the cooperation extended by villagers and officials in timely fortifying the embankments and assured that the state government will continue to monitor the situation closely to avoid any untoward incident.

The Cabinet Ministers Laljit Singh Bhullar informed that the entire machinery of the state government swung into action from day one to save the people in this hour of crisis. He said that the Senior Leader Manish Sisodia and entire leadership joined hands with Punjabis in this difficult time.

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STATE GOVT EXPEDITES RESCUE OPERATIONS AMID HEAVY RAINFALL ACROSS PUNJAB

FOCUS ON STRENGTHENING RIVER EMBANKMENTS AND ROUND-THE-CLOCK VIGILANCE

HARJOT SINGH BAINES LEADS RELIEF OPERATIONS ALONG SUTLEJ

LALJIT SINGH BHULLAR AND HARBHAJAN SINGH ETO VISIT FLOOD-HIT AREAS

HARDEEP SINGH MUNDIAN REACHES SULTANPUR LODHI WITH FOUR TRUCKS OF RELIEF MATERIAL

DR. RAVJOT SINGH HOLDS DOOR-TO-DOOR INTERACTIONS TO ADDRESS PEOPLE’S GRIEVANCES

MAHINDER BHAGAT CALLS FOR CONSTANT ALERTNESS AMID RISING WATER IN CHITTI VEIN

MEET HAIR AND KULDEEP SINGH DHALIWAL DISTRIBUTE RELIEF MATERIAL IN AJNALA

MALWINDER KANG REVIEWS ROAD DAMAGE AT KHUDA LAHORA-NADA ALONG WITH DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION

GOVT EMPHASIZES SAFE EVACUATION FROM POTENTIAL FLOOD-PRONE AREAS

Chandigarh, September 3:With continuous heavy rainfall across Punjab and adjoining hilly regions creating flood-like conditions, the Punjab Government has intensified rescue and relief operations across the State. District administrations have been instructed to strengthen embankments and riverbanks while ensuring evacuation of people from vulnerable areas to safer locations.

In Sri Anandpur Sahib constituency of Rupnagar district, continuous monitoring of canals, rivulets and rivers is being undertaken under the supervision of Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Baines with support from the district administration and social organizations. Evacuation drives have already begun in villages located along the Sutlej and the Minister has urged residents to shift to government-established relief camps.

Villages in Nangal area including Harsa Bela, Bela Ramgarh, Bela Dhyani Upper, Bela Dhyani Lower, Sainsowal, Aailgra, Bela Shiv Singh, Bhalan, Bhanam, Singhpura, Palasi, Taraf Majara, Majari and villages in Sri Anandpur Sahib are Burj, Chandpur Bela, Gajpur Bela, Shahpur Bela, Nikuwal, Amarpur Bela and Lodhipur have been asked to move to safer places. Villages located along the Sutlej in Rupnagar and Sri Chamkaur Sahib have also been put on high alert.

Cabinet Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh visited flood-affected villages in his Sham Chaurasi constituency and personally met residents at their homes in Shivalik Nagar Dholwaha, Khalwana, Diowal and Badowal to listen to their grievances. He assured them that their issues would be resolved on priority, stating that public safety remains the foremost responsibility of the Government.

Cabinet Ministers Laljit Singh Bhullar and Harbhajan Singh ETO, along with senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia, visited flood-affected areas of Tarn Taran. They inspected villages Mararh and Kirhian where river erosion had damaged farmland and crops and also interacted with the affected families and farmers.

In Jalandhar district, Cabinet Minister Mahinder Bhagat visited Kukkar village where the water flow in Chitti Vein has increased significantly. He distributed relief materials and directed the administration to maintain constant vigilance. In Sangowal village, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal sought the assistance of the Army to strengthen Sutlej embankments.

Meanwhile, Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO, MP Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer and MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal distributed relief material to families in Ajnala.

Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian reached Sultanpur Lodhi with four truckloads of relief material including animal fodder, which was distributed in flood-hit villages Mand Inderpur and Yousafpur Darewal.

At Nayagaon in SAS Nagar district, MP Malwinder Singh Kang and Deputy Commissioner Komal Mittal inspected the damage caused to the Khuda Lahora–Nada road due to erosion along Patiala Ki Rao. Repair works have already begun. The administration has also advised residents along Ghaggar and Sukhna choe to remain vigilant.

In Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Deputy Commissioner Ankurjeet Singh reviewed the current status of Sutlej embankments at Dhaingarpur, where the water level stands at 65,000 cusecs and remains under control. He informed that a minor breach last night was immediately repaired with the help of villagers and strengthening works are underway.

In Barnala, Deputy Commissioner T. Banith urged residents to vacate unsafe buildings and shift to government relief camps. In Patiala, Deputy Commissioner Preeti Yadav alerted the Army and appealed to residents of flood-prone villages to move to safer zones due to the rising Ghaggar river.

In Fazilka, Deputy Commissioner Amarpreeet Kaur Sandhu advised residents to stay alert as 3.11 lakh cusecs of water is being released from Hussainiwala Headworks into the Sutlej. She assured that district administration teams are on standby round the clock to assist the public.

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PUNJAB POLICE HOUSING CORPORATION CONTRIBUTES ONE-DAY SALARY TOWARDS CHIEF MINISTER’S RELIEF FUND

CHANDIGARH, September 3:Standing in solidarity with the people of Punjab affected by the devastating floods, all the officers/officials of the Punjab Police Housing Corporation (PPHC) have contributed their one-day salary amounting to Rs 2.27 lakhs towards the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.

A total of 146 members of the Corporation, including engineering and clerical staff (excluding Class IV employees), have contributed their one-day salary.

The recent incessant monsoon rains and floods have caused unimaginable hardship and loss across the State. While the Corporation recognizes that this contribution is but a drop in the ocean compared to the scale of devastation, it has been made with deep sincerity and a strong sense of solidarity with fellow citizens in distress.

The Corporation believes that this contribution is not just financial, but a symbol of the unity with the family with the people of Punjab, reaffirming that in times of adversity, standing together is the greatest strength.

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HARJOT BAINS AT FORE FRONT IN SRI ANANDPUR SAHIB; OVER 200 SAFELY EVACUATED FROM FLOOD-PRONE AREAS

Bains appeals residents of low-lying areas to shift to relief camps

EM takes hands-on approach to bolster flood defences

Chandigarh, September 3:Spearheading the rescue and relief operations in Sri Anandpur Sahib Constituency, Punjab Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains today visited over two dozen villages affected by floods and personally oversaw the evacuation of families stranded along the Sutlej river, bringing hope and relief to those affected by the natural fury.

Divulging the details about rescue operation, S. Harjot Singh Bains shared that over 200 people have been successfully evacuated from flood-affected villages and they are now safely sheltered in relief camps.

He further informed that in the Nangal sub-division, four relief camps are operational at Government Senior Secondary School Bhalan, Government Middle School Bhanam, Government Shivalik School Nangal and Singhpur Palasi Community Centre, which are accommodating as many as 137 individuals. Citing rescue operations involved diverse efforts, he said that 18 people safely evacuated through boat from village Lower Bela Dhiani and 48 individuals from villages Harsa Bela and Sasoowal reached the relief camps using their tractor-trailers.

Demonstrating his commitment to the relief efforts, S. Harjot Singh Bains rolled up his sleeves and actively participated in reinforcing the canal banks. The Education Minister lent a hand in carrying sandbags to strengthen the revetment near Lodhipur village, taking proactive steps to ensure the safety of the surrounding area by bolstering the flood defences.

S. Harjot Singh Bains appealed to residents living in low-lying areas along the Sutlej riverbanks to immediately move to safer locations and relief camps, while assuring them of all necessary facilities and arrangements. The Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab government stands by its people during this challenging time. Meanwhile, he also praised the dedication of youth clubs, panchayats, and volunteers in the relief efforts and requested their continued support in evacuating people from flood-prone areas.