Punjab Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal today came down heavily on the union Government and neighbouring states, stating that just a few months ago when it was about diverting Punjab’s water, every law and regulation was conveniently set aside to exploit the state’s share. Yet now, when Punjab is in dire need of support, no one is stepping forward to help.
Interacting with the media after reviewing the ongoing flood relief operations at Kawaan Wali Pattan, the Cabinet Minister said that since Punjab is the food bowl of the nation, it becomes the moral responsibility of the Centre to provide a special relief package without even waiting for a demand from the state. He further stressed that those consuming Punjab’s water resources should have also come forward to assist during this hour of crisis.
The Cabinet Minister pointed out that heavy rainfall both in the hills and in Punjab has aggravated the flood situation this year. However, the state government is leaving no stone unturned to provide immediate relief to the affected population with all departmental teams actively engaged on the ground.
Mr. Goyal informed that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, along with his Cabinet colleagues and MLAs, has been personally visiting flood-affected regions to oversee relief efforts. He added that the Chief Minister has even deployed his personal helicopter for relief operations. Orders for a special girdawari have already been issued and compensation for damages will be ensured.
Relief centres have been set up, evacuees are being shifted to safer shelters and the government is providing them with food, water and all necessary amenities. Addressing the scarcity of fodder and straw in the flood-hit villages, he lauded Punjabis for extending mutual support during this testing time.
The Minister further said that besides NDRF teams, the Army is also assisting the district administration and over 100 people were evacuated through boats today itself. Seven relief camps are functional in the district.
Responding to a query, the Cabinet Minister said that water inflow into the dams has reduced, which comes as a relief. Notably, this is Barinder Kumar Goyal’s second visit to Fazilka district in five days, where he is personally reviewing the situation at the ground level.
Prominent amongst others who were present included Fazilka MLA Narinder Pal Singh Sawna, Deputy Commissioner Amarpreet Kaur Sandhu, SSP Gurmeet Singh, SDM Veerpal Kaur, Assistant Commissioner General Amandeep Singh Mavi and Executive Engineer Water Resources Alok Chaudhary.