14,936 PEOPLE EVACUATED FROM FLOOD-HIT AREAS SO FAR: HARDEEP SINGH MUNDIAN
6,582 PEOPLE PROVIDED SHELTER IN RELIEF CAMPS
122 RELIEF CAMPS FUNCTIONING IN FLOOD-AFFECTED AREAS
Chandigarh, August 31:Punjab Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Minister S. Hardeep Singh Mundian, on Sunday, informed that so far 14,936 people have been evacuated to safer places from flood-affected areas across the state.
He said the entire state machinery along with NDRF, SDRF, Army and Punjab Police personnel are working tirelessly round-the-clock to safeguard lives and property. Giving district-wise details, the Cabinet Minister said 1700 people have been rescued in Amritsar, 25 in Barnala, 1599 in Fazilka, 3265 in Ferozepur, 5456 in Gurdaspur, 1052 in Hoshiarpur, 362 in Kapurthala, 163 in Mansa, 115 in Moga, 1139 in Pathankot and 60 people have been rescued in district Tarn Taran.
S. Mundian further said that the number of relief camps has also been increased alongside the evacuation drives. Currently, 122 relief camps are operational in affected districts sheltering 6,582 affected people.
Giving district-wise breakup, the Cabinet Minister said 16 camps have been set up in Amritsar, 1 in Barnala, 7 in Fazilka, 8 in Ferozepur, 25 in Gurdaspur, 20 in Hoshiarpur, 4 in Kapurthala, 1 in Mansa, 5 in Moga, 14 in Pathankot, 1 in Sangrur and 20 in Patiala. All Deputy Commissioners have been directed to ensure availability of essential supplies in these camps, he added.
S. Mundian said that district Amritsar camps are sheltering 170 persons, Barnala 25, Fazilka 652, Ferozepur 3987, Gurdaspur 411, Hoshiarpur 478, Kapurthala 110, Mansa 163, Moga 115, Pathankot 411 and Sangrur 60.
While expressing gratitude to NDRF, SDRF, Army, Punjab Police and NGOs for standing firmly with the government in this critical time, the Cabinet Minister informed that at present, 6 NDRF teams are deployed in Gurdaspur and one each in Fazilka, Ferozepur, Pathankot and Amritsar. Similarly, 2 SDRF teams are operational in Kapurthala. The Army, Navy and Air Force have also been pressed into service in Kapurthala, Gurdaspur, Ferozepur and Pathankot while one BSF team each is carrying out relief works in Gurdaspur and Ferozepur. Punjab Police and Fire Brigade are assisting the administration in affected areas of Kapurthala and Ferozepur. He said that 15 boats in Kapurthala, 12 in Ferozepur and 4 in Pathankot are engaged in evacuations and wherever needed, airlifting operations are being executed.
The Revenue Minister informed that so far a total of 1312 villages have been impacted by floods across Punjab. These include 93 in Amritsar, 26 in Barnala, 21 in Bathinda, 1 in Fatehgarh Sahib, 92 in Fazilka, 107 in Ferozepur, 324 in Gurdaspur, 86 in Hoshiarpur, 55 in Jalandhar, 123 in Kapurthala, 26 in Ludhiana, 4 in Malerkotla, 77 in Mansa, 35 in Moga, 81 in Pathankot, 14 in Patiala, 2 in Rupnagar, 22 in Sangrur, 1 in SAS Nagar, 3 in SBS Nagar, 74 in Sri Muktsar Sahib and 45 in Tarn Taran.
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Punjab’s Schools to remain closed till September 3: Harjot Singh Bains
Chandigarh, August 31:In the light of prevailing flood situation in Punjab, all government, aided, recognised and private schools in the state will remain closed till September 3, 2025, informed S. Harjot Singh Bains, Minister of School Education, Punjab.
He said that this decision has been taken following the directions of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann to prioritise student safety and well-being during this challenging time.
The Education Minister stated that the state government is taking all necessary measures to mitigate the flood's impact and ensure public well-being. He also urged parents to prioritise their children's safety and security during this tough period and cooperate with the administration by following instructions. Meanwhile, he exhorted teachers to maintain close contact with the district administration to provide support to the community in need.
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NOTORIOUS DRUG SMUGGLER HELD WITH 3.5KG HEROIN AND ₹2L DRUG MONEY FROM JALANDHAR
— ARRESTED ACCUSED FACING MULTIPLE CASES UNDER NDPS ACT IN PUNJAB AND NEW DELHI: DGP GAURAV YADAV
— PROBE IS ON TO IDENTIFY THE SOURCE OF THE CONSIGNMENT: CP JALANDHAR DHANPREET KAUR
CHANDIGARH/JALANDHAR, August 31:In a major breakthrough amidst the ongoing anti-drugs campaign ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ launched on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Jalandhar Commissionerate Police has apprehended a drug smuggler and recovered 3.5 kg heroin along with Rs 2 lakhs drug money from his possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav here on Sunday.
The arrested drug smuggler has been identified as Manjit Singh, a resident of Jalandhar Enclave near Khambra, Jalandhar. The arrested accused is a habitual drug trafficker with three cases under NDPS act have been registered against him in Punjab and New Delhi.
DGP Gaurav Yadav said that a case has been registered. Further investigation is underway to establish forward and backward linkages in this case to dismantle the entire network, he said.
Sharing operation details, Commissioner of Police (CP) Jalandhar Dhanpreet Kaur said that during a special checking, police teams from Special Cell led by Inspector Jaspal Singh had stopped Manjit Singh on suspicion. During his frisking, police teams have recovered the heroin consignment and drug money from his black colour kit, she said.
The CP said that preliminary investigations have revealed that the accused was going to deliver the consignment to someone, when police teams apprehended him. Probe is on to identify the source of the consignment and to identify the person, who was supposed to get the consignment, she added.
In this regard, a case FIR no. 222 dated 30/8/2025 has been registered under sections 21C and 27A of the NDPS act at Police Station Sadar Commissionerate Jalandhar.
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Chief Secretary visits flood-affected areas in Amritsar and Pathankot
Compensation will be given for the losses caused by floods – KAP Sinha
Punjab Government is committed to providing every possible help to flood victims
Reached out to people surrounded by floodwaters and reviewed the situation
Chandigarh, August 31 : Punjab Chief Secretary K.A.P. Sinha said that the state government stands firmly with the people in this hour of crisis and will support them in every difficulty. He said that relief and rescue operations are currently underway. Once the situation returns to normal, a special survey (Girdawari) will be conducted and compensation will be given for every type of loss. He added that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has constituted a high-powered committee for relief work, under which three senior officers have been deputed to Amritsar district to supervise and assist in these operations.
Acting on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Mr. Sinha today visited the flood-affected areas of Ajnala and Ramdas in Amritsar district, and Bamiyal and Narot Jaimal Singh blocks in Pathankot, where he also inspected the Dhussi embankment of the Ravi river. He also reviewed the arrangements made at the relief centre set up in village Chamiyari.
Mr. Sinha reached villages surrounded by floodwaters to personally assess the situation and interacted with the residents. He also took feedback from the people about the relief provided so far by the district administration. In several villages, he personally distributed relief material to the people and encouraged them to move to safer places. Later, he held a detailed meeting with the district administration and army officials to discuss the rescue and relief strategy and the successes achieved so far. He appreciated the continuous efforts being made by the army personnel, NDRF, police, and civil administration.
During his visit to the flood-affected area of Bamiyal and Kolian, he said that excessive water in the Ravi river had damaged the Dhussi embankment, due to which several villages in Pathankot district along the river were affected by floods. He mentioned that as the water level in the river has now receded, the water in flood-hit areas is also decreasing.
On this occasion, he instructed officials to further speed up the relief operations so that maximum assistance could be provided to the people. He interacted with officers of NDRF, the Health Department, and other departments to review the ongoing relief measures.
Among those who were present Principal Secretary of Water Resources Department Krishan Kumar, senior IAS officers deputed by the Punjab Government for relief works in the district – Kamal Kishore Yadav, Varun Roojam, and Basant Garg – Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sahni, SSP Amritsar Swapan Sharma, NDRF Deputy Commander Anil Taluktra, Colonel Robin Ethany, Pathankot Deputy Commissioner Aditya Uppal, SSP Pathankot Daljinder Singh Dhillon, and Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Hardeep Singh.
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Excise Department Busts Premium Liquor Refilling Racket and Seizes Illicit Alcohol in Major Crackdown: Harpal Singh Cheema
Two Separate Operations in Ludhiana East Unearth Major Liquor Racket and Smuggling of Illegally-Sourced Liquor
Operations Lead to Arrests, Seizures, and a Strong Warning Against Illicit Liquor Trade
Chandigarh, August 31-In a decisive crackdown on the illegal liquor trade, the Punjab Excise Department conducted two major enforcement operations on August 30 in the Ludhiana East Range, leading to the unearthing of a premium liquor refilling racket and the seizure of a substantial consignment of illicit alcohol, including liquor smuggled into the state.
Disclosing the details in an official statement, Punjab Finance, Planning, Excise and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema said that the operations were executed swiftly based on specific intelligence inputs and under the direct supervision of Excise and Taxation Commissioner Jitendra Jorwal, along with other senior departmental officers. “Our teams acted with precision to not only seize illegal stock but also to expose a new modus operandi where criminals are endangering public health by refilling premium bottles with low-quality liquor. This is a clear case of fraud and a serious threat to consumer safety, and we will not tolerate it,” he asserted.
In the first raid, enforcement teams, in coordination with local police, dismantled a sophisticated racket operating in Ludhiana. The accused were found refilling high-end imported liquor bottles—brands including Glenlivet, Johnnie Walker Gold Label, and Chivas Regal—with cheaper Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) and Punjab Medium Liquor (PML), with the intent to deceive consumers and evade excise duties. Two individuals, Amit Vij and Pankaj Saini, were apprehended at the scene. The authorities recovered 106 empty bottles, 39 refilled bottles, various bottling accessories, and seized a Swift Dzire vehicle. An FIR has been registered at Police Station Division No. 3, Ludhiana, and investigations are ongoing to trace the full extent of the network.
In a separate operation conducted the same day, Excise officials intercepted Vikramjeet Singh in Village Burma (Samrala), who was found in possession of 60 bottles of illicit liquor labeled “For Sale in Chandigarh only.” The consignment had been illegally smuggled into Punjab, prompting his immediate arrest. A case has been registered at Police Station Samrala under the relevant provisions of the Punjab Excise Act, 1914.
Reaffirming the Excise department’s resolve, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema emphasized that the Excise Department will continue its rigorous enforcement drives across the state to dismantle illegal supply chains and prevent the circulation of spurious and non-duty-paid alcohol. He highlighted that regular raids, surprise inspections, and coordinated inter-state operations will persist against bootleggers and smugglers. The Finance Minister also urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the nearest Excise or Police authority, stressing that public cooperation is vital to eliminate the menace of illicit liquor from Punjab.
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Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur personally distributed relief material in Fazilka
Old Age Homes opened for flood-affected elderly
No shortage of funds for relief operations, says Minister — ₹70 lakh worth of relief material distributed in Fazilka
MLA Narinderpal Singh Sawna also accompanied the Minister
Chandigarh/Fazilka, August 31 –Punjab Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur today visited flood-affected areas near Chand Bhan Drain, village Noor Shah in Fazilka district, where she personally distributed relief material and encouraged the victims. She was accompanied by Fazilka MLA Narinderpal Singh Sawna and former Abohar MLA Arun Narang.
Interacting with the affected families, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, is fully committed to assisting flood victims, and there is no shortage of funds for relief operations. She informed that in Fazilka constituency alone, relief material worth more than ₹70 lakh has already been distributed, which includes 4,558 ration kits and 2,017 bags of cattle feed. Sanitary pads for women and mosquito nets have also been provided.
The Minister further stated that Old Age Homes have been opened for flood-affected elderly persons, while relief camps are ensuring all necessary facilities for the displaced. She said that special priority is being given to shift differently-abled persons to safe locations. Once the flood water recedes, girdawari (crop loss assessment) will be carried out to ensure full compensation for damages.
Earlier, Dr. Baljit Kaur reviewed the relief operations with Deputy Commissioner Amarpreet Kaur Sandhu and other officials at the District Administrative Complex. She also met volunteers and lauded their efforts, emphasizing that during this crisis, collective support is vital for boosting the morale of flood-affected people. During her visit to village Noor Shah, Dr. Baljit Kaur and MLA Narinderpal Singh Sawna also shared a community meal (langar) with the residents at the flood embankment site.
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Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema Urges Union Government to Push Haryana to Withdraw Court Stay on Ghaggar River Widening
Finance Minister Inspects Ghaggar River at Khanauri, Assures Public of Preparedness
Chandigarh/Khanauri/Moonak, August 31-Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Sunday called on the Union Government to fulfill its responsibility to the people and urge the Haryana government to withdraw the stay on Ghaggar River Widening as this would allow the Punjab government to proceed with widening and strengthening the riverbanks to protect its citizens.
During a site visit to the Khanauri headworks to assess the situation, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema emphasized that widening the Ghaggar river is a crucial step, but this effort has been stalled due to a stay order obtained by the Haryana government from the Supreme Court on a section of the river from Makraur Sahib to Karail within Punjab. He said that the Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is committed to finding a permanent solution to the recurring flood threat from the Ghaggar River.
On this occasion, the Finance Minister Cheema reassured the public that there is no need to panic, only to remain vigilant and cooperate with the Punjab government and the district administration. He confirmed that the water level in the Ghaggar River is currently at 743.7 feet, well below the danger mark of 748 feet, and the situation is completely under control.
The minister appealed to the public to support each other during this time. He also urged residents not to believe rumors and to contact their village panchayat or the civil and police administration immediately if they encounter any issues. He affirmed that Punjab government representatives and district officials are present in the field and will ensure no one faces any hardship.
Meanwhile, the Sangrur Deputy Commissioner Rahul Chaba mentioned that for any flood-related concerns, people can contact the district flood control rooms at 87250-29785 (Irrigation Department) and 01672-234196 (District Administration). The district administration has implemented extensive preparations to manage any potential flooding. Over 200,000 sand and soil bags have been prepared and are on standby. The vulnerable points where breaches occurred in 2023 have been specifically reinforced, and the riverbanks have been widened to ensure easy movement for machinery if needed.
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PUNJAB POLICE AVERTS POSSIBLE ATTACK AT SECURITY ESTABLISHMENTS; TWO BKI OPERATIVES HELD WITH HAND GRENADE AND PISTOL
— BKI-BACKED FOREIGN-BASED OPERATIVES WERE DIRECTING THE ARRESTED INDIVIDUALS TO COMMIT TERROR ACTIVITIES IN STATE: DGP GAURAV YADAV
— SEARCH OPERATIONS UNDERWAY TO CAPTURE REMAINING ASSOCIATES OF THE MODULE: AIG CI SUKHMINDER MANN
CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, August 31:In an intelligence-led operation amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Counter Intelligence (CI) Pathankot, CI Ludhiana & State Special Operations Cell (SSOC) Amritsar jointly busted a Babbar Khalsa International (BKI)-backed terror module and thwarted major disruptive activities in the state with the arrest of two operatives, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Sunday.
Those arrested have been identified as Sarwan Kumar, a resident of village Malhian in Gurdaspur and Balwinder Singh, a resident of Jakkriya in Gurdaspur. During search, police teams have recovered one Arges hand grenade and one .30 bore star mark pistol along with three live cartridges from their possession.
The development came in less than a week after CI Pathankot had averted a target killing by busting module of same network with the four members including two juveniles and recovered two .30 bore star mark pistols from their possession.
DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigations have revealed that arrested accused persons were working on the directions of their foreign-based handlers, who are backed by Babbar Khalsa International. Arrested accused were introduced to these handlers by an intermediary, he said.
The DGP said that a case under relevant sections of law has been registered. Efforts are being made to trace and apprehend the other members associated with this network, he said.
Sharing more details, AIG CI Pathankot Sukhminder Singh Mann said that arrested accused were tasked to conduct recce of various security establishments and to execute the assignment, they were provided with explosives and funds. Arrested accused persons were communicating with their handlers using encrypted apps and virtual phone numbers, he said.
The AIG said that further investigations are being conducted to unearth this BKI-backed entire network and investigate previous crimes committed by the arrested persons.
In this regard, a case FIR No. 48 dated 30.08.2025 under section 25 of the Arms Act, section 61 (2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and sections 3, 4 and 5 of the Explosive Substances Act has been registered at Police Station SSOC Amritsar.
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PROTECTION OF LIVES AND PROVIDING SAFE SHELTER IN RELIEF CAMPS IS FOREMOST PRIORITY OF STATE GOVT: ACS-CUM-FCR ANURAG VERMA
3 LAKH ACRES OF LAND IN PUNJAB HIT BY FLOODS
ASSESSMENT UNDERWAY AT GROUND LEVEL FOR COMPENSATION OF DAMAGED CROPS
ANURAG VERMA TAKES STOCK OF RELIEF OPERATIONS IN FEROZEPUR AND FAZILKA
Chandigarh, August 31:Punjab Additional Chief Secretary-cum-Financial Commissioner Revenue Sh. Anurag Verma today reviewed the flood relief operations in the districts of Ferozepur and Fazilka. He assessed the prevailing situation and directed officials to ensure uninterrupted relief measures for the affected families.
Additional Chief Secretary-cum-Financial Commissioner Revenue Sh. Anurag Verma, after inspecting the villages along the Sutlej river in district Ferozepur today, shared that due to heavy rainfall, nearly 3 lakh acres of land in Punjab have been affected and around 1.25 lakh people have come under the impact of floods. During affected are visit, he was accompanied by Divisional Commissioner Ferozepur Arun Sekhri, Deputy Commissioner Deepshikha Sharma and SSP Bhupinder Singh Sidhu and ADC Damanjit Singh Mann.
Mr. Verma held detailed discussions with the flood-affected villagers and district administration regarding the losses. He said, "the foremost priority of the state government is to ensure the protection of lives, shift people to safe shelters in relief camps and provide food and basic necessities for everyone including children and the elderly.
He stated that the state government has already announced special girdawari to provide compensation for the affected crops. District authorities have been directed to collect accurate data on losses, he said, adding that compensation will be disbursed as per the directions of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann.
In district Ferozepur alone, around 107 villages and nearly 45,000 people have been impacted. Some of the displaced families have been shifted to eight relief camps set up by district administration where they are being provided food supplies and all other essential items.
Referring to village Gatti Rajoke, Mr. Anurag Verma said that residents had drawn attention to slow drainage of floodwaters. Hence, instructions have been issued to the drainage department to expedite dewatering with the help of JCB machines. He further said that due to waterlogging on the roads, several villages have been cut off from connectivity and the administration has been directed to speed up restoration efforts.
The Additional Chief Secretary informed that district authorities are working round the clock to provide relief. Tarpaulins and other necessary supplies are being delivered with the support of NDRF and BSF. So far, more than 3300 people have been rescued. He remarked that the government is going two steps ahead to extend all possible help to the flood-affected families. He further said that the government is fully alert and calculations have already been made in coordination with relevant departments regarding release of water from dams in case of heavy rainfall or regulated drainage if rainfall stops.
He underlined that the state government is fully prepared and has drawn up a comprehensive plan to deal with every situation.
Following this, Mr. Anurag Verma convened meeting with officials at the SDM office, Jalalabad, to review the ongoing flood relief measures in district Fazilka. He directed the Deputy Commissioner and other officers to ensure that relief operations continue without any lapse and that every affected individual receives necessary aid. He assured that there is no shortage of funds for relief work and that the government will release funds as per requirement. The Drainage Department was instructed to maintain strict vigil on the embankments and drains along the Sutlej river and to ensure that no further breach occurs. He further directed that the natural flow of water in the drains must not be obstructed and any blockage, if found, should be cleared immediately to prevent overflow.
Mr. Verma also stressed that people shifted to relief camps should not face any inconvenience and relief material must reach the affected families after proper identification.
Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Deputy Commissioner Amarpreet Kaur Sandhu, Additional Deputy Commissioner General Dr. Mandeep Kaur, SDMs Krishna Pal Rajput and Kamrajit Singh Mann, Assistant Commissioner General Amandeep Singh Mavi, Executive Engineer Drainage Alok Chaudhary and DSP Avinash Chander.
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Vigilance Bureau arrests BDPO, ex-Sarpanch for embezzlement of Rs 24.69 lakh in panchayat funds
Chandigarh August 31, 2025 –The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB), during its ongoing drive against corruption in the state, has arrested Lakhbir Singh, then Block Development and Panchayat Officer (BDPO) Jandiala Guru, in Amritsar district, presently posted at block Ghall Khurd in district Ferozepur and Manjinder Singh, ex-Sarpanch, gram panchayat Gehri Mandi, in district Amritsar for embezzlement of Panchayat funds to the tune of Rs. 24,69,949.
Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the state VB said this case has been registered on the basis of a complaint filed by a resident of village Gehri Mandi. Afterwards a technical team of VB has conducted an investigation regarding misappropriation in development funds received by the said gram panchayat from year 2013 to 2017.
He added that during the probe it has came to light that, during the above said check period, this gram panchayat had received total funds amounting to Rs. 49,21,658 and has spent only Rs. 17,37,900 which proved that the Manjinder Singh Sarpanch, in connivance and conspiracy with the then gram panchayat secretary Karanjeet Singh and above said Lakhbir Singh B.D.P.O usurped the funds amounting to Rs. 24,69,949.
He further informed that based on the investigation a case under section 13(1) (a), 13(2) of Prevention of Corruption Act and 201, 409, 420, 120-B of IPC has been registered at VB police station Amritsar range against the aforementioned accused and further investigation is under progress, he added.
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