1400 Villages Affected by Heavy Rainfall and Floods in Punjab. 3.75 Lakh Acres of Crop Submerged, Schools-Colleges Closed Until September 7. Chief Minister and Central Government Expedite Relief Efforts. Relief Materials and Funds Released.
Punjab Flood: The Punjab government has declared the state a disaster-affected region. Approximately 1400 villages across 23 districts of Punjab have been severely impacted due to heavy rainfall and floods. The situation is so critical that the government has issued an order to close all schools, colleges, and universities until September 7.
Worst Floods in Decades
The state government has stated unequivocally that Punjab is currently facing the worst floods in decades. The situation is worsening due to continuous rainfall and water released from dams. The administration believes that the situation may become more severe in the coming days.
Heavy Losses to Agriculture and Livestock
Agriculture is a crucial component of Punjab's economy. However, this flood has washed away the hard work of millions of farmers. Approximately 3.75 lakh acres of agricultural land have been submerged. The paddy crop, in particular, has been completely ruined. Additionally, hundreds of cattle have died, dealing a double blow to farmers and rural families.
Schools and Colleges Closed Until September 7
The state government has issued an order with immediate effect to close all government and private schools, colleges, universities, and skill development centers until September 7. The government has stated that the safety of children is paramount and that the current conditions are not conducive for studies.
Proactiveness of the Chief Minister and MPs
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has decided to visit the flood-affected areas. He will review relief operations in the flood-affected regions of Sangrur and Makron Sahib. MP Raghav Chadha has also released Rs 3.25 crore from MPLADS funds. Out of this, Rs 2.75 crore has been allocated for the repair of flood protection embankments in Gurdaspur, and Rs 50 lakh for relief and rehabilitation efforts in Amritsar.
Relief Materials Arriving from Delhi
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has announced that trucks carrying relief materials are being sent to Punjab daily from Delhi. AAP party MLAs, MPs, and common citizens are also contributing to this effort. RWAs and trader associations from Delhi are also extending their support.
Rising Water Levels of Sutlej River and Bhakra Dam
The water level of the Sutlej River has risen rapidly following the release of water from the Bhakra Dam. Water has entered several villages in Moga district. Here, approximately 250 houses in Sangheda, Kambo Khurd, and Serewala villages are submerged. The water level in Bhakra Dam has reached 1678 feet, which is just 2 feet below the danger mark. The government has appealed to people to move to safer locations.
Worsening Situation in Moga and Jalandhar
Along with Moga, heavy rainfall has also wreaked havoc in Jalandhar. A house collapsed in the Basti Sheikh area of Jalandhar. Fortunately, no one was inside the house at the time of the incident, otherwise, there could have been loss of life.
Central Government's Assistance and Appeals from Leaders
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will visit Punjab tomorrow. He will assess the situation by meeting with farmers and villagers and assure them of all possible assistance from the Center. Raghav Chadha has also stated that he will raise this issue in Parliament and demand additional assistance from the Center.
Teams Engaged in Relief Operations
The Indian Army, NDRF, BSF, Punjab Police, and several NGOs are working day and night in relief and rescue operations. Relief camps have been set up in the flood-affected areas, providing arrangements for drinking water, medicines, and food.
Visit by Chief Minister and Kejriwal
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal will visit the flood-affected areas. They will review relief and rescue operations and meet with the affected families. The Meteorological Department has warned of heavy rainfall in the next few days. The administration has appealed to the public to remain alert and follow the advisories issued by the government.
