Harbhajan Singh E.T.O. reviews flood damage to road infrastructure

PWD officials decide to donate one day’s salary to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund

Chandigarh, September 6:Punjab Public Works Minister S. Harbhajan Singh today reviewed the damage caused by the recent floods to infrastructure—roads, bridges, and public buildings—during a high-level meeting at the Punjab Roads and Bridges Development Board, Mohali.

During the review meeting, Public Works Minister Harbhajan Singh E.T.O. examined the estimated damage so far and the funds required for immediate repair work. He directed that damaged roads, especially in rural areas, should be repaired immediately to restore connectivity and speed up relief operations. He further instructed that in places where roads have been washed away due to floodwaters, serious consideration should be given to constructing causeways, pipes, or box culverts for proper water drainage in line with the site conditions.

He directed the officials and employees of the Public Works Department to perform their duties with full dedication and honesty and to contribute actively in this difficult time.

The meeting was attended by Public Works Department Joint Secretary Amarbir Sidhu, Engineer-in-Chief Gagandeep Singh, all Chief Engineers, and other senior officials.

On this occasion, officials of the Public Works Department also decided to contribute one day’s salary to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund in view of the losses caused by the floods.

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PATHANKOT’S DEEPIT SHARMA COMMISSIONED AS LIEUTENANT IN INDIA ARMY

• Aman Arora wishes Deepit bright future in the service of Nation

Chandigarh, September 6:Adding a yet another feather in the cap of Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institute (MRSAFPI), Cadet Deepit Sharma of 7th Course at the Institute was commissioned as a Lieutenant into the Indian Army’s Kumaon Regiment, is one of the oldest infantry regiments of the Indian Army, at the Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) passing out parade (POP) in Chennai on Saturday. The passing out parade was reviewed by Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, PVSM, AVSM,

Cadet Deepit Sharma, hailing from Pathankot district, has followed in his father's footsteps to become a second-generation Army officer. In a proud moment for his family, he has been commissioned into the same unit within the Kumaon Regiment where his father serves.

Punjab Employment Generation, Skill Development, and Training Minister Aman Arora extended his warmest congratulations to Lieutenant Deepit Sharma, wishing him a bright future in the service of the nation. With Lieutenant Sharma's commissioning, the total number of cadets from Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institute commissioned as officers has risen to 179, he added.

Major General Ajay H Chauhan, VSM (Retd), Director of MRSAFPI, congratulated Lieutenant Deepit Sharma on his commissioning, expressing pride in the cadet's achievement. He also shared that the current batch of cadets would be appearing for the UPSC NDA (II) written examination on September 14, 2025, marking an important milestone in their journey towards becoming officers.

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Milkfed Seeks ₹50 Crore NDDB Grant to provide free Cattle Feed in flood affected districts

Deploys boats and carriers to maintain uninterrupted milk collection in affected villages

Verka leads massive relief operations across Punjab

Chandigarh, September 6:With Punjab reeling under one of its most devastating floods in recent years — affecting nearly 1,900 villages and submerging near 4 lakh hectares of fertile land — the Cooperation Department along with Milkfed Punjab (Verka) and its affiliated Milk Unions, has launched an unprecedented relief and recovery operation to support both people and livestock. The hardest-hit regions Amritsar, Ferozepur, Abohar, Fazilka, and Jalandhar — account for nearly 3.5 lakh affected people who are struggling for essential supplies.

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Milkfed Punjab has activated a comprehensive two-fold strategy — sustaining dairy farmers and livestock, while simultaneously ensuring the supply of milk and food essentials to the affected population.

Speaking on the initiative, Financial Commisoner Cooperation Sumer Gurjar said, ''This is not just relief—it is a reaffirmation of Verka’s bond with Punjab’s people. Our teams are on the ground to protect farmers’ livelihoods, safeguard animals, and ensure that no family is left without nourishment.”

With transportation routes submerged, dairy farmers were unable to move milk, pushing them toward severe financial distress. Rising to the challenge, Milkfed teams used boats and makeshift carriers to reach milk collection points in flooded villages, ensuring uninterrupted procurement of raw milk. This extraordinary effort has safeguarded farmers’ incomes while keeping Punjab’s milk supply chain running even under emergency conditions.

MD Milkfed Rahul Gupta added, Thousands of cattle stranded in submerged sheds are receiving priority support. In coordination with affiliated Milk Unions, Milkfed is supplying cattle feed and chokar (bran) at subsidized rates. To scale up this effort, Milkfed has also approached the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) for a ₹50 crore grant, which, once approved, will enable free distribution of cattle feed across affected districts.

On the human relief front, Milkfed is working through district administrations to supply Fresh milk, Skimmed milk powder,Whole milk powder,Dairy whitener. These essential commodities are particularly critical for families with children, elderly, and vulnerable populations. The operation is being expanded rapidly to ensure uninterrupted nourishment in all flood-hit areas.

MD further informed that In addition to dairy supplies, Milkfed and its Unions have pledged 15,000 food kits for stranded families. The distribution has already begun from Verka Jalandhar, Mohali, and Sangrur dairies, with supplies steadily moving to relief camps and remote pockets.

Officials from the Department of Cooperation emphasized that Milkfed Punjab’s actions go beyond emergency relief. In the face of an unprecedented challenge, Milkfed Punjab and its Unions have demonstrated resilience by not only supporting farmers and livestock but also ensuring that no family is left without essentials.”

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Punjab Responds to Historic Floods with Urgency and Compassion; Demands Accountability and Support from Centre: Harpal Singh Cheema

*2,000 villages and Over 4 lakh citizens impacted; 43 deaths reported in 14 districts*

*1.72 lakh hectares of farmland damaged in 18 districts, Widespread loss of homes, livestock, and public infrastructure*

*FM Calls for the prompt release of Rs 60,000 crore owed to Punjab*

*Says, Cabinet Ministers, AAP MPs and Legislators Lead by Example*

Chandigarh, September 6-Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Saturday provided a grim overview of the state's unprecedented flood crisis, describing it as the worst in five decades. The relentless rainfall in Punjab and neighboring hilly states has triggered widespread devastation, affecting almost 2,000 villages across all districts. Over 4,00,000 citizens have been impacted, with 43 reported deaths in 14 districts. The agricultural sector, a cornerstone of the state's economy, has suffered extensively, with 1,72,000 hectares of farmland damaged in 18 districts. Additionally, infrastructure, homes, and livestock have sustained significant losses. The Ghaggar river's water level has also surpassed its danger mark of 750 feet.

The Finance Minister said that the Punjab government has responded to the unprecedented floods with prompt action and empathy. He emphasized the need for accountability and support from the BJP-led Union Government, stressing that this crisis demands a collaborative response rather than political opportunism.

Addressing a press conference held today here at Punjab Bhawan, the Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that despite the scale of destruction, the Punjab government has mounted a swift and coordinated response. He said that more than 22,000 people have been evacuated to safer locations. Approximately 200 relief camps have been established across the state, currently sheltering over 7,000 displaced individuals. Rescue and relief operations are being carried out by 24 teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and 2 teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), supported by 144 boats and a government helicopter. “The Chief Minister, senior party leaders, cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament, MLAs, and party senior leaders and workers are actively present at ground zero, working shoulder to shoulder with citizens. The entire government machinery, Gram panchayts and NGOs are operating around the clock to ensure the safety and well-being of those affected”, said Cheema.

The Finance Minister further disclosed that the Revenue Department has released Rs 71 crore to support relief efforts. "Demonstrating solidarity, the entire cabinet and all MLAs have pledged to donate one month's salary to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund. Additionally, Aam Aadmi Party MPs from Punjab in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have committed to utilizing their discretionary funds to aid flood victims. Our Excise and Taxation Department has also contributed Rs 50 lakh to this noble cause," he added.

The Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema also reminded that after waiting in vain for any relief announcement from the Centre, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann had written to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 31, seeking the release of over ₹60,000 crore owed to the state. This includes pending GST compensation, RDF & MDF, and Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana funds. Additionally, the Chief Minister had requested amendments to the SDRF and NDRF rules to ensure adequate compensation for flood victims.

Criticising the BJP-led Union Government for politicizing the tragic loss of lives, Cheema strongly condemned the silence of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the letter written by Punjab Chief Minister. He said that it is very unfortunate that Prime Minister has not replied to this letter even after 25 days. He expressed surprise that while aid is being extended to Taliban led Afghanistan for earthquake relief, the same empathy has not been shown to the people of Punjab.

Expressing grave disappointment over the response of the Union Government, the Punjab Finance Minister criticized the lack of substantive support, stating that Union Ministers and teams have merely visited for photo opportunities without announcing any relief packages or financial aid. The Finance Minister rejected the Centre's claims that illegal mining is the reason for Punjab's floods, calling it a blatant display of bias against the state. He questioned why the Centre fails to explain the causes of floods in other states, highlighting the inconsistency in their approach. He condemned the Centre's attempt to politicize the issue, stating that instead of supporting Punjab, a state that has significantly contributed to the nation's development and made sacrifices for its protection, the BJP at Centre is engaging in petty politics.

Concluding the press conference, the Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the Union Government claims to be assessing the damage but has yet to request data from the state, which Punjab is fully prepared to provide, whereas, the final report of damage can be accessed after floods recede. He said that the Union Government has utterly failed Punjab in its time of crisis. He urged immediate action to address this grave injustice, demanding the prompt release of pending dues amounting to Rs 60,000 crore. Additionally, he called for swift dispatch of relief and financial assistance to support the state's recovery efforts.

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'YES WE CARE', relief efforts by MP Sanjay Singh & Cabinet Ministers touch hearts

Ministers fan out in flood affected areas as saviours of humanity

Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains in Nangal, Lal Chand Kataruchak in Pathankot, Tarunpreet Singh Sond in Fazilka & Hardeep Singh Mundian lead the charge from Sasrali

Chandigarh, September 6:The Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh accompanied by Cabinet Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak oversaw the flood relief efforts and visited Kathlour, Koliyan Road, Village Pamma & Bamiyal. They also took stock of the Temporary Bandh being constructed on the Raavi river. Castigating the Union Government, Mr. Sanjay Singh said that even after appeals by the National Convenor AAP Arvind Kejriwal and Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann writing a letter, the BJP led Union Government has not announced any financial package for the State. Although PM Narendra Modi has time to send assistance to Afghanistan but he has no time to spare for Punjab.

Meanwhile, Inspired by the efforts of the Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains since the last 2 days to save the damaged portion of the famous Lakshmi Narayan temple at Nangal, now the people of the area alongwith the AAP volunteers and technical experts have joined hands in the noble cause. With the aid of big state of the art machinery and boats, giant bags filled with sand & gravel are being used to lend support to the structure of the building on the banks of Satluj.

Though, a sum of Rs. 1.27 crore would be required in order to permanently save the religious shrine.

Meanwhile, Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian flagged off three trucks loaded with essential dry ration and other relief materials to the families affected by floods in Sasrali and other adjoining villages. He said that the State Government is committed to extending timely support to every affected household and such consignments are being sent regularly to ensure uninterrupted supply of food items, medicines, clothes and other necessary goods.

The Rural Development and Panchayats Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond commenced the third phase of distributing relief material in the flood affected villages of Fazilka and lambasting the Union Government said that Punjab has always stood up for the Nation in the times of need but now when the State itself requires handholding the Union Government is shying away from helping and instead meting out step motherly treatment.

\Divulging about the relief material disbursement, Mr. Sond said that till now, 8599 ration kits stand distributed to the needy people in Fazilka District. Whereas 5000 bags of cattle feed for the dairy cattle has been distributed, 3715 tarpaulins have also been provided by the Punjab Government in the flood ravaged areas, added the Minister.

Mentioning the healthcare amenities, the Minister revealed that 38 medical teams have been deputed throughout the district apart from 28 teams of the Veterinary department. With a view to ensure the reach of relief material to the every needy person, as many as 3 Tehsildars, 2 Naib Tehsildars, 3 BDPOs, 58 Patwaris, 5 Qanungos, 10 Food Supply Officers & 25 other officials have been deployed in the affected villages.

Meanwhile, the Patiala Divisional Commissioner Vinay Bublani on Saturday early morning visited the Dhussi Bandh in Sasrali Colony to assess the on-going efforts to strengthen the flood defenses.

Accompanied by Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Ludhiana East Jasleen Kaur Bhullar and other officials, the Divisional Commissioner inspected the construction of a new ring bandh being undertaken through a collaborative effort involving Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Public Works Department (PWD), Drainage Department, local social organizations, and the hundreds of villagers. During the visit, Bublani held detailed discussions with officials from the Revenue, Forest, and Drainage departments to assess the extent of damage caused to the crops near the Bandh.

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NO TRUTH IN UNION AGRI MINISTER’S CLAIMS LINKING FLOODS TO ILLEGAL MINING IN PUNJAB: BARINDER KUMAR GOYAL

FLOODS OCCURRED DUE TO UNPRECEDENTED HEAVY RAINS, NOT MINING ACTIVITIES

Chandigarh, September 6:Punjab Water Resources Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal, on Saturday, rebutted the remarks of Union Agriculture Minister Sh. Shivraj Singh Chauhan, who alleged that floods in Punjab were triggered by illegal mining.

Addressing a press conference in Chandigarh, the Cabinet Minister termed the allegations as baseless and misleading, asserting that floods were caused by record rainfall and unprecedented inflow of water in rivers. "The present focus must remain on relief and rehabilitation of affected families instead of political blame games", he added.

The Cabinet Minister informed that Punjab witnessed extraordinary discharge of 14.11 lakh cusecs in River Ravi this year, surpassing the 11.2 lakh cusecs recorded in 1988. Strengthening works worth over Rs.200 crore undertaken by the Punjab Government during the last two years ensured that embankments withstood the pressure, with no breaches reported along government-controlled bundhs of River Beas.

Terming the Union Minister’s statement Illogical, the Cabinet Minister clarified that mining is banned in River Ravi within five kilometers of the international border due to Army and BSF restrictions, while River Beas is a declared "Conservation Reserve" where mining is prohibited. No mining exists in Ghaggar River, while in Sutlej, operations are permitted only under approved mine plans and with Environmental Clearance from the State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA). He stressed that regulated mining in Punjab does not endanger river embankments and no mining activity is permitted within 100 meters of flood protection embankments.

Rejecting the Union Minister’s claims, Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal said that unprecedented rainfall was the sole cause of floods, with Chamba recording 1205 percent, Kangra 275 percent and Pathankot 820 percent above normal on August 25 alone. He pointed out that attributing such natural calamity to illegal mining was unjust to the suffering people of Punjab.

Suggesting the Centre to introspect on unnecessary delays in addressing Punjab’s demands, Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal said that every year Punjab spends crores of rupees for protecting BSF and army outposts in national interest.

He lamented that Punjab’s proposals for protection of border outposts, vital for BSF and army, are still pending with the Government of India despite requests by the Chief Minister and Chief Secretary of Government of Punjab. Despite in-principle approval by NDMA, only 19 of the 28 proposed works have been cleared so far and release of funds is still awaited, he added.

Strongly criticizing the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) for its discriminatory tactics against Punjab at the behest of the Centre, the Cabinet Minister said that during the technical committee meeting, Punjab had categorically demanded 29,500 cusecs of water for irrigation during the month of June, as the paddy sowing season was underway. Despite repeated letters and requests, Punjab was allocated only 21,000 cusecs of water, against the stipulated norms that mandate supply as per the demand of partner states during the filling period. “Had Punjab been given its rightful share, our irrigation needs would have been fully met and the dams would also have had adequate space to store excess water,” said Goyal.

The Minister highlighted that BBMB has a history of acting arbitrarily, often going silent when Punjab seeks relief, but readily imposing its own decisions when it comes to creating pressure.

Highlighting the long-pending demand of a barrage at Makaura Pattan on River Ravi downstream of Ujh, the Cabinet Minister said the project would harness lean period flows for irrigation, drinking water and groundwater recharge in border areas. He underlined that Punjab holds riparian rights over Ujh waters and has already submitted detailed plans to the Central Water Commission (CWC).

He reiterated that this year’s floods were the result of massive rainfall in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and Punjab, coupled with inflows from Pakistan and local streams, yet damages were minimal due to timely strengthening of embankments. The Beas River also recorded historic inflows into Pong Dam, surpassing all previous records.

Prominent amongst others who were present included Chief Engineer (Drainage) S. Hardeep Singh Mendiratta and Chief Engineer (Headquarters) S. Jitender Pal Singh.

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22,854 PERSONS SAFELY EVACUATED, FLOODS CLAIM 3 MORE LIVES: HARDEEP SINGH MUNDIAN

*139 RELIEF CAMPS OPERATIONAL, SHELTERING 6121 AFFECTED PEOPLE*

*CROP DAMAGE CROSSES 1.74 LAKH HECTARES TO DATE*

*48 MORE VILLAGES, 2691 POPULATION AND 2131 HECTARES CROPS AFFECTED DURING PAST 24 HOURS*

Chandigarh, September 6:Punjab Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Minister S. Hardeep Singh Mundian today informed that 48 more villages, 2691 population and 2131 hectares of crops have been affected during the past 24 hours. Till date, 1996 villages across 22 districts stand impacted, affecting a total population of 3,87,013.

S. Mundian said that 19 more villages have been affected in Jalandhar within 24 hours, while 13 in Ludhiana, 6 in Ferozepur, 5 in Amritsar, 4 in Hoshiarpur and one village in district Fazilka were affected during this period.

Detailing the evacuation efforts, the Revenue Minister said that 925 more persons were evacuated within the last 24 hours, taking the total to 22,854 people rescued so far. The highest number of evacuations have been carried out till date in Gurdaspur (5581), Fazilka (4202), Ferozepur (3888), Amritsar (3260), Hoshiarpur (1616), Pathankot (1139) and Kapurthala (1428).

He further said that 139 relief camps are presently operational in the state, sheltering 6121 affected people, while a total of 219 camps have been established across different districts since the onset of floods. These include 14 camps in Fazilka sheltering 2588, 49 camps in Barnala sheltering 527 people, 4 camps in Hoshiarpur sheltering 921 people, 5 camps in Rupnagar sheltering 250 persons, 3 camps in Moga sheltering 155 affected persons and 2 camps in Mansa sheltering 89 persons.

The Cabinet Minister said that floods have claimed three more lives in Amritsar and Rupnagar in the past 24 hours, raising the total toll to 46 across 14 districts, while three persons remain missing in district Pathankot.

S. Mundian, while highlighting the impact on agriculture, informed that with an additional 2131 hectares of crop damage in the last 24 hours, the total has now crossed 1.74 lakh hectares across 18 districts. The worst-affected districts include Gurdaspur (40,169 hectares), Fazilka (18,649 hectares), Ferozepur (17,257 hectares), Kapurthala (17,574 hectares), Hoshiarpur (8,322 hectares), Sangrur (6,560 hectares), Tarn Taran (12,828 hectares) and SAS Nagar (2,000 hectares).

While expressing gratitude towards the armed forces for assisting during these tough times, S. Hardeep Singh Mundian said that total 23 NDRF teams were engaged in relief and rescue operations in Amritsar, Fazilka, Gurdaspur, Ferozepur, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Patiala, Ludhiana, Pathankot and Rupnagar, while 2 SDRF teams are active in Kapurthala.

He said that 27 Army columns and 7 Engineer Task Forces of the Indian Army are actively engaged in flood-hit regions. Nine helicopters of the Indian Air Force and Army have been pressed into relief operations. The BSF is providing assistance in the Ferozepur sector. Besides this, 158 boats along with one state helicopter are part of the ongoing rescue and relief measures.