PM MUST SHOW GENEROSITY IN EXTENDING AID TO FLOOD-HIT PUNJAB: BARINDER KUMAR GOYAL
UNION GOVT MUST IMMEDIATELY RELEASE AT LEAST RS.25K CRORE AS COMPENSATION FOR FLOOD DAMAGE: WATER RESOURCES MINISTER
ALSO DEMANDS RELEASE OF PENDING DUES WORTH RS.60K CRORE
PUNJAB’S CONTRIBUTION IN NATION BUILDING REMAINS UNMATCHED, TIME HAS COME TO SUPPORT PUNJAB: CABINET MINISTER
Chandigarh, September 8:Punjab Water Resources Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal today urged Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi to demonstrate magnanimity in providing assistance to the flood-affected people of Punjab.
Addressing the media here at Punjab Bhawan, Sh. Goyal welcomed the Prime Minister’s scheduled visit to Punjab in the wake of devastating floods. He urged the PM to announce immediate release of at least Rs.25,000 crore as compensation for damages besides clearing pending dues of Rs.60,000 crore without delay. He expressed concern that although the Prime Minister is visiting Punjab nearly 25 days after the calamity, he has so far not spoken a word regarding the state’s plight.
Sh. Goyal informed that preliminary estimates suggest nearly 4 lakh acres of crops have been destroyed. While no breach occurred in embankments maintained by the Water Resources Department, overflowing water caused damage to embankments and other infrastructure. Massive projects will be required for restoration once floodwaters recede, which will need substantial financial support. He further said that the Punjab Mandi Board has suffered huge losses due to damaged roads. Nearly 3,300 school and college buildings have been affected, while thousands of electricity poles collapsed and several transformers submerged. Urgent funds are required for restoration of these facilities, he added.
He pointed out that the Union Government has consistently adopted a step-motherly attitude towards Punjab. While special packages are swiftly announced for other states facing natural disasters, Punjab has been left waiting even for a relief announcement. He highlighted that the Centre rushed relief material to earthquake-hit Afghanistan, yet Punjab continues to wait for meaningful assistance.
The Cabinet Minister remarked that social and charitable organisations across the country are actively helping flood victims in Punjab, while the Union Government is still engaged only in collecting reports despite the tragedy being visible before the world.
He came down heavily on Union Agriculture Minister Sh. Shivraj Singh Chouhan for his recent remarks linking floods with mining, calling the statement “insensitive” and an act of rubbing salt into Punjab’s wounds.
Responding to a query, Sh. Goyal said Punjab currently has around Rs.13,000 crore in the Disaster Management Fund, but the Centre’s rigid conditions prevent the state from utilising it. He urged the Union Government to relax the norms so that people of Punjab can benefit.
Speaking on the Centre’s discriminatory attitude, the Water Resources Minister said that despite the discovery of potash reserves in Punjab’s border belt, no significant action has been taken. In contrast, Rajasthan was immediately granted drilling permissions at 150 locations and auctions were held. In Punjab, drilling was permitted only at nine sites. He reminded that he had raised the issue with the Union Minister months ago, but no action followed.
Sh. Goyal also criticised the Centre for fixing a meagre Rs.8,200 per acre compensation from disaster relief funds for crop damage. He urged the Prime Minister to allow states autonomy in using disaster funds since state governments are better aware of ground realities.
===========================================
AHEAD OF PM’S VISIT, DR BALBIR SINGH HIGHLIGHTS ₹780 CR HEALTH INFRA LOSS, SEEKS URGENT AID
— Health Minister appeals to PM Modi for immediate financial assistance of Rs 20,000 crores for comprehensive state recovery
— Reiterates demand for immediate release of ₹60,000 crore stalled funds
CHANDIGARH, September 8:Ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit to the flood-affected areas of Punjab, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh on Monday laid bare the catastrophic damage inflicted by the recent floods on the state’s critical healthcare infrastructure, with initial estimates pegging the losses at a staggering ₹780 crores.
While addressing the media at Punjab Bhawan, Dr Balbir Singh stated that the deluge has dealt a crippling blow to the state's public health system, severely damaging healthcare facilities across the state. The Minister was accompanied by Principal Secretary Health Kumar Rahul and Director Health and Family Welfare Dr Hitinder Kaur.
Providing a grim breakdown, the Health Minister informed that the floods have destroyed medicines worth ₹130 crores, besides, 1,280 dispensaries and health & wellness centres, 101 community health centres, and 31 out of the state’s 41 sub-divisional hospitals were severely damaged, accumulating the initial damages to around Rs 780 crores.
“Despite this unprecedented devastation, the Health Department from level of Principal Secretary til the ASHA workers have been serving relentlessly in the flood-ravaged areas,” he said, while adding, “Our Medical teams have been using every possible way whether its ambulance or boats or helicopters to provide medical aid to the needy people.”
Dr Balbir Singh disclosed that he has already written to the Union Health Minister, JP Nadda, detailing the devastating impact and seeking immediate financial assistance for the health sector. He now makes a direct appeal to the Prime Minister, who is scheduled to visit Punjab on Tuesday.
“The backbone of Punjab’s rural and urban healthcare has been broken. This is not just about buildings; it is about the loss of life-saving equipment, essential medicines, and the facilities where millions of Punjabis seek care. We welcome the Prime Minister’s visit, but we need more than solidarity; we need substantial support. We urgently require central assistance of at least Rs 20,000 crores to rebuild the vital infrastructure and comprehensive state recovery,” said Dr Balbir Singh.
The Health Minister has also reinforced the state government’s demand for an immediate release of ₹60,000 crore in funds stalled by the Centre, crucial for the overall recovery of Punjab’s flood-battered economy. He emphasised that a robust health system is fundamental to a recovering population and a reviving economy.
Dr Balbir Singh also questioned the “myopic vision” of the Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and urged the Prime Minister to take a broader, more compassionate view of Punjab’s plight, stressing that the people need concrete action and urgent funds, not just token gestures.Reaffirming the government’s commitment, Dr Balbir Singh stated that the AAP-led Punjab Government is standing firm with the people during this crisis and will continue to advocate at the highest levels to secure the necessary relief and assistance to rebuild a stronger, more resilient healthcare system for Punjab.
Meanwhile, the Health Minister also thanked the Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) and volunteers for selflessly coming forward and offering enormous support.
==========================================
PM’S VISIT: AMAN ARORA DEMANDS ₹20K CR RELIEF PACKAGE, DECRIES BJP LEADERS "FLOOD TOURISM”
•Punjab welcomes PM Modi, but wants funds not just photo ops, says Arora as he solicits meaningful support from centre
• Aman Arora also demands immediate release of 60K Crore stalled funds as unprecedented deluge battered state’s economy
Chandigarh, September 8:Giving yet another wake-up call to awake the BJP led Centre Government from “deep slumber” ahead of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to flood-affected areas of Punjab, Cabinet Minister and Aam Aadmi Party State President Mr. Aman Arora today made an appeal to come with Rs. 20,000 crore relief package, citing that “mere flood tourism” won't suffice in addressing the state’s dire situation, which the state BJP leadership and Union Ministers had already over exploited the photo ops. The Prime Minister is scheduled to visit Punjab on Tuesday.
While addressing a press conference here at Punjab Bhawan, Mr. Aman Arora said, “On the behalf of over 3 crore citizens of Punjab, I warmly welcome Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, who are coming to visit flood-affected areas of Punjab but I would humbly request him to not reduce the crisis to mere flood tourism for photo opportunities. The Prime Minister must come with Rs. 20,000 crore package if he considers Punjab is the integral part of the India and he really cares about Punjab.”
Mr. Aman Arora also demanded the immediate release of Rs 60,000 crore in stalled funds, which includes Rs 50,000 crore in revenue losses due to implementation of GST regime and Rs 8,000 crore withheld in Rural Development Fund (RDF) and Market Development Fund (MDF) during past three and half years. He highlighted that the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann also wrote a letter to Centre Government to release the stalled funds. He also demanded a hike in flood compensation as over 4.50 lac acres of farmland has submerged, over 3 lac livestock have been affected and hundreds houses damaged by the recent devastating deluge.
He emphasised the need for a special relief package to support the state's flood-battered economy, considering Punjab's significant contributions to India's food security.
Accusing the Centre Government of step-motherly treatment towards Punjab, Mr. Arora questioned the silence of Punjab's BJP leaders during the crisis, suggesting they should focus on securing a special package for the state instead of just indulging in photo ops. He said that the state's dire situation demands concrete action, not just token gestures.
Mr. Aman Arora reaffirmed that the Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab Government is firmly stand with the people of Punjab and taking every possible step to recuperate the state from this natural fury. He emphasised that the government will continue to advocate for the Centre's support and ensure that Punjab's voice is heard at the highest levels, pushing for the necessary relief and assistance to address the state's challenges.
==========================================
Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema Handsover Appointment Letters to 16 Newly Recruited Clerks
Most of Recruits Receive Their Second or Third Job Offer
Chandigarh, September 8-Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Monday handed over appointment letters to 16 newly recruited clerks, marking a significant step in strengthening the state's financial administration. The appointments are for the newly established Directorate of Treasury and Accounts Branch, Pension, and New Pension Scheme.
A key highlight of the event was that most of the new recruits were receiving their second or third job offer under the current Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. For instance, Sandeep Kaur, who was appointed as a clerk in the department, had previously secured positions in both the police and the cooperative bank. Similarly, Jeevan Singh, Happy Kumar, Sahil Syag, Avatar Singh, and Harpreet Singh said that this is their second appointment. They thanked the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann for creating multiple employment opportunities for the state's youth.
During the ceremony, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema congratulated and welcomed the new employees. He emphasized the vital role of clerks in the smooth operation of government offices, stating, "Clerks are the fundamental basis of office work, and their efficiency will play a crucial role in the smooth functioning of the department." He urged the new recruits to perform their duties with honesty, discipline, and dedication, and to contribute to the progress and prosperity of Punjab.
Prominent amongst others Additional Chief Secretary Finance Alok Shekhar, Director Treasury Arvind Kumar and Additional Director Treasury Simarjeet Kaur were also present on this occasion.
========================================
Cabinet Minister Harjot Bains launches “OPERATION RAHAT” from Nangal
Protecting people’s lives and property is our duty and responsibility – Harjot Singh Bains
Operation Rahat to continue for 10 days; Bains family announces personal contribution of ₹5 lakh
Family to repair 50 affected households on personal cost; instructions given for assessment of resident’s property damage
Teams of AAP volunteers dispatched to villages; medical facilities to be made available for both people and animals at their doorsteps
Chandigarh/Nangal, September 8:Punjab Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains today launched OPERATION RAHAT for his constituency, Sri Anandpur Sahib, starting from 2 RVR in Nangal. On this occasion, he announced a personal contribution of ₹5 lakh from his family and took the decision to bear the expenses for the repair of 50 needy households.
Harjot Bains stated that protecting the lives and safety of people is both our moral and official duty. In recent days, due to heavy rains in Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, and the release of excess water from the Bhakra Dam, many villages in Sri Anandpur Sahib, Nangal, Kiratpur Sahib, and adjoining areas have suffered extensive damage. Farmers’ paddy and maize crops have been destroyed, and waterlogging has damaged several houses. People urgently need relief at this time.
Harjot Bains further said that as the rainfall has now decreased and the water level in the dam is gradually coming under control, this is a critical moment when administration, local youth, AAP volunteers, youth clubs, panchayats, and sarpanches have stepped forward with remarkable contributions. In several places, where rivers and canals became weak or embankments breached, posing a flood threat, the teams faced every situation bravely and protected people’s lives and property.
Bains added that now conditions are slowly returning to normal, and the flood impact is clearly visible at the ground level. Today, a campaign was launched to clean government schools, and from tomorrow all government schools will reopen as usual. He emphasized that further collective efforts are needed to help people, which is why his family and well-wishers decided to contribute ₹5 lakh and repair 50 homes at their own expense as part of this mission.
The Cabinet Minister said that teams of youth, AAP volunteers, and administration officials are moving across Nangal, Sri Anandpur Sahib, Kiratpur Sahib, and other villages. He reiterated that serving the people is their duty and responsibility, and assured that the Punjab Government will provide every possible compensation for the losses suffered. He informed that SDMs, Tehsildars, Kanungos, Patwaris, B.D.P.O.s, and Panchayat Secretaries will visit every village to assess the damage, coordinating with Panchayat members, Sarpanches, and Numberdars.
He also announced that wherever waterlogging has occurred, drainage will be ensured and safe drinking water will be supplied through the Water Supply Department. To prevent outbreaks of disease, fogging and spraying of medicines will be carried out in villages and towns. Along with medical teams for people, veterinary doctors will visit villages to check livestock and provide free medicines, ensuring the safety of cattle. He further assured that steps are being taken to restore uninterrupted power supply and to repair road networks.
Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains concluded by saying that their team is taking “Operation Rahat” into its next phase, which will continue for the next 10 days. Under this campaign, he pledged that any relief announced by the government will be delivered to the people at the earliest
==========================================
Education Minister Launches “Let’s Clean Our Village Schools” Campaign from Government Senior Secondary School, Sarsa Nangal
Chandigarh /Sarsa Nangal/Kiratpur Sahib, September 08:Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains today inaugurated the state-wide campaign “Let’s Clean Our Village Schools” from Government Senior Secondary School, Sarsa Nangal. On this occasion, he appealed to all citizens to actively support the initiative.
The Education Minister stated that due to recent floods, around 20,000 government schools across Punjab had remained closed for several days. These schools were opened today for cleaning and restoration, while students will return to classes from September 9. To ensure safe and clean learning spaces, a special cleanliness drive has been initiated in all government schools.
Mr. Bains urged fellow MLAs, Panchayats, Sarpanches, youth clubs, school management committee members, and local volunteers to extend full cooperation in this campaign. He emphasized that some schools, having remained shut for days, now require urgent cleaning and maintenance. Issues such as waterlogging, safe drinking water, and waste disposal must be resolved immediately.
He further stressed that if any school building appears unsafe, it should be reported without delay to the Deputy Commissioner, SDM, or the engineering wing of the district administration, as the safety of teachers and students is the government’s top priority.
Prominent attendees at the event included Jujhar Singh Aaspur (Member, Saini Welfare Board Punjab), Jagmeet Kaur (School In-charge), Harvinder Kaur (Block President), Sohan Singh, Sita Ram, Mohan Singh (Sarpanch), Navpreet Singh, Gurmail Singh (Numberdar), Harbhajan Singh, Avtar Singh, along with a large gathering of dignitaries and local residents.
=====================================
Punjab Government Intensifies Relief Operations for Flood Victims
Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains launches ‘Operation Rahat’ from Nangal; MLAs take charge of district-level campaigns
Chandigarh, September 8-The Punjab Government has further intensified efforts to provide immediate relief to lakhs of people in thousands of villages affected by the devastating floods. In order to protect lives and property, coordinated efforts are being made at a large scale with the active participation of ministers, MLAs, volunteers, and district administrations.
Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains today launched “Operation Rahat” from Nangal. This 10-day campaign is dedicated to the relief and rehabilitation of flood-affected families. He also inaugurated the “Aao Apne Pind Da Sarkari School Saaf Kariye “ (Let Us Clean Our Village Government Schools) campaign from Government Senior Secondary School, Sarsa Nangal, urging village panchayats, youth clubs and school management committees to actively participate in the cleanliness drive.
The Minister said that nearly 20,000 government schools across Punjab had remained closed due to floods for the past several days. These schools have now been opened for cleaning and will reopen for students from September 9. He said that if any building was found unsafe, the matter should be immediately reported to the Deputy Commissioner, SDM, or the engineering wing concerned.
Minister Bains further announced that his family would personally contribute ₹5 lakh towards flood relief and undertake repairs of 50 damaged houses. He added that teams of Aam Aadmi Party volunteers have been dispatched to villages to provide door-to-door medical assistance for both people and livestock.
At Jalalabad, MLA Jagdeep Kamboj Goldy distributed cattle feed at village Jodha Bhaini. He thanked Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann for enhancing compensation for damaged crops and houses and for granting farmers the right to retain and sell sand deposited on their land due to floods. He said this step would benefit farmers and added that the government would also compensate for damage to houses, with girdawari already ordered.
In Fazilka, MLA Narinderpal Singh Sawna provided a new boat to residents of village Mahatam for transporting relief materials. “In this difficult hour, I stand firmly with my people,” he said.
Meanwhile, under the directions of Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh, the Fazilka Health Department issued special advisories to prevent snakebite cases. Civil Surgeon Dr. Raj Kumar and Assistant Civil Surgeon Dr. Rohit Goel advised people to immediately take snakebite victims to government hospitals, where free treatment is available. They stressed there is no need to panic and reminded residents that ambulances can be accessed through helpline 108. Deputy Commissioner Amarpreet Kaur Sandhu informed that so far, 10,874 ration kits and 5,890 bags of cattle feed have been distributed and 4,235 people have been shifted to safer places in the district.
From Hoshiarpur, Deputy Commissioner-cum-President of District Red Cross Society, Ashika Jain, stated that alongside government efforts, several NGOs, companies and philanthropists are also stepping forward to extend assistance to flood-affected families.
========================================
Leaving floodplains for rivers is necessary – Sant Seechewal
*Relief from floods will only come by staying close to nature*
*Punjab needs to strengthen 900 km of earthen embankments*
*Planting five trees at every tubewell will add 7 million new saplings*
New Delhi/Chandigarh, September 08-Rajya Sabha member and environmentalist Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal said that to get relief from floods, we must move closer to nature and leave floodplains for the rivers. Having personally stood with flood-affected people for the past 29 days, Sant Seechewal emphasized that we must plan our crops while keeping in mind the global climate changes. To face the challenges posed by climate change, society will have to be prepared. He said that the development model being promoted has caused devastation, destroying forests and mountains.
Sant Seechewal explained that the reason civilizations settled along rivers was that rivers brought fertile soil, which benefited agriculture. But since humans began interfering with nature, they have increasingly invited trouble.
It is worth noting that Punjab has about 900 km of earthen embankments along the Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, and Ghaggar rivers. These include 226 km along the Sutlej, 164 km along the Ravi, 104 km along the Beas, and nearly 100 km along the Ghaggar. In addition, there are about 300 km of temporary embankments around smaller rivers and streams. These embankments were built in the 1950s and 60s, but this year’s floods have broken all previous water records.
Sant Seechewal suggested that to strengthen these embankments, permanent roads should be built on them and trees planted along the way. He further added that the simplest way to prevent floods is to plant at least five trees in every field or at each tubewell. Punjab has about 1.4 million tubewells, and if five trees are planted at each, it would result in an increase of 7 million trees. These trees would help reduce floods and also ensure timely rainfall.
==========================================
23,015 PERSONS EVACUATED, 123 RELIEF CAMPS SHELTERING 5,416 INMATES: HARDEEP SINGH MUNDIAN
*FLOOD IMPACT UPDATE: THREE MORE HUMAN LIVES LOST, POPULATION AFFECTED RISES TO OVER 3.87 LAKH*
*CROP LOSS REACHES OVER 1.84 LAKH HECTARES*
Chandigarh, September 8:The flood situation continues to impact several districts of the state with fresh updates indicating an increase in both human and crop losses, said S. Hardeep Singh Mundian, Minister for Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management, Punjab. He said that as per the district reports, over 3.87 lakh people have been affected across 15 districts. Likewise, human fatalities have risen to 51 with three more deaths recorded during the past 24 hours in Mansa, Moga and Patiala districts.
Listing crop and infrastructure damage, S. Mundian said that the crop loss has now reached 1,84,938.05 hectares. He added that damage to houses and livestock continues to be assessed and the full extent will be available once floodwaters recede.
S. Hardeep Singh Mundian said that on the evacuation front, with 77 more evacuations in the last 24 hours, a total of 23,015 persons have been safely evacuated to date. At present, 123 relief camps are operational, sheltering 5,416 inmates and witnessing successful rehabilitation and resettlement of many affected families.
He said that mitigation measures remain in full swing with the Army deploying around 30 helicopters for rescue and relief operations, while the BSF, NDRF and SDRF teams are carrying out ground support. Relief materials including dry ration, drinking water, medicines and essential supplies are being dispatched round-the-clock to the flood-hit areas.
Giving district-wise details, the Cabinet Minister said that in Amritsar, 196 villages remain under the impact of floods affecting 1,36,105 people. The district has reported 7 casualties. A total of 3260 persons have been safely evacuated and 16 relief camps are operational in the district, while crop loss has been recorded on 27,154 hectares. In Barnala, total 121 villages have been affected, impacting 1343 people. The district has reported 5 deaths. As many as 630 people have been evacuated, with 46 relief camps functioning. No crop damage has been reported in this district.
He said that in Bathinda, 21 villages have come under floodwater. Although no population has been directly hit, the district has suffered 4 deaths, while crop damage has been assessed over 586.79 hectares. In district Faridkot, 15 villages are affected. In Fazilka, 86 villages are inundated affecting 25,037 persons. Two human lives have been lost. A total of 4,235 people have been evacuated while 14 relief camps are running. Crop loss has been recorded over 19,036 hectares, he added.
The Minister said that in district Ferozepur, 108 villages are affected, impacting 38,614 persons. Two deaths have been reported. As many as 3,948 people have been evacuated and crop damage has been assessed on 17,257 hectares. Similarly, in Gurdaspur, 329 villages are impacted, hitting 1,45,000 persons. Two human lives have been lost. Evacuations total 5,581 and 13 camps are functional in the district. He said that crop loss is the highest in the state with 40,169 hectares affected in district.
In Hoshiarpur, 208 villages are under flood impact affecting 2,760 people, while seven deaths have been reported. Evacuations total 1,616 while 4 camps are functional. Crop damage has spread over 8,322 hectares. In Jalandhar, 93 villages have been affected with 1,970 people hit. There is no report of loss of life. A total of 511 persons have been evacuated till date while 18 relief camps are functioning. Crop damage has been recorded on 4,800 hectares.
He said that in Kapurthala, 145 villages are impacted affecting 5,728 people and evacuations stand at 1,428, while crop damage has been recorded on 17,574 hectares. In Ludhiana, 85 villages are impacted though. Four human lives have been lost in the district. One camp is active sheltering 47 persons and crop damage has been reported on 72 hectares. In Malerkotla, 12 villages are under floodwater. In district Mansa, 95 villages are affected with 178 people hit. The district has reported 4 deaths and total 178 people have been evacuated, while 2 relief camps are operational. Crop loss has been assessed over 12,207 hectares. In Moga, 52 villages are impacted with 800 persons affected. One death has been reported. A total of 155 persons have been evacuated while 3 camps are functional. Crop loss has been recorded on 2,240 hectares.
S. Mundian informed that in Pathankot, 88 villages are affected, impacting 15,503 people. The district has reported 6 deaths. Evacuations stand at 1139, while 1 relief camp is active in the district. Crop damage has been assessed over 2,442 hectares. In Patiala, 109 villages are affected. The district has recorded 2 deaths and crop loss has spread over 10,420 hectares. In Rupnagar, 58 villages have been impacted, affecting 778 persons. Two human lives have been lost in the district. Evacuations stand at 313 while 4 relief camps are operational. Crop loss has been recorded on 1080 hectares.
The Revenue Minister said that in district S.A.S Nagar, 15 villages are affected with 14,000 persons hit. The district has reported 2 deaths and crop loss has been assessed over 2,000 hectares. In Sangrur, 107 villages are affected with 83 persons hit. The district has reported 1 death. One relief camp is functional in the district and crop damage has been recorded on 6,560 hectares. Similarly, in S.B.S Nagar, 28 villages are affected and crop damage stands at 188 hectares. In district Sri Muktsar Sahib, 23 villages are impacted, while in district Tarn Taran, 70 villages are affected, impacting 60 people. A total of 21 people have been evacuated and crop loss has been assessed on 12,828 hectares.