Punjab Panchayat Minister Mr. Tarunpreet Singh Sond today said that under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is ensuring every possible relief for the flood-affected population, while the Central Government continues to display an apathetic attitude. Addressing the media here, the Minister stated that Punjab has always stood in the front line for the nation, whether it is guarding the country’s borders or filling its food reserves.
“But today, when Punjab itself is in need, the Centre is turning its back on the state,” he remarked. The Minister informed that the third phase of relief material distribution has been launched in Fazilka district. Sharing details, he said that 40 villages with a population of 24,930 have been affected.
So far, 4,202 persons have been safely evacuated, of which 2,553 have taken shelter in relief camps, bringing along 1,226 animals. A total of 30 relief camps were set up in the district, of which 14 are presently operational. Mr. Sond revealed that 6,185 families have been affected in Fazilka district. For rescue and relief, four NDRF teams, two Army teams, and one BSF team are actively deployed.
So far, 8,599 ration kits have been distributed, nearly 5,000 bags of cattle feed supplied for dairy animals, and 3,715 tarpaulins distributed to provide protection from rain. Highlighting health measures, the Minister said that 38 medical teams and 28 veterinary teams are on duty.
To ensure relief reaches every needy household, three Tehsildars, two Naib Tehsildars, three BDOs, 58 Patwaris, five Kanungos, ten Food Supply Officers, and 25 other officials have been deputed in affected villages. Talking about losses, he said that 123.96 km of roads and 17 government buildings have been damaged, while 18,486 acres of crops stand affected.
He assured that the state government will restore the damaged infrastructure on priority. He also mentioned that possibilities would be explored to enhance the capacity of smaller drains .
Later, the Minister, accompanied by Fazilka MLA Mr. Narinder Pal Singh Sawna, Balluana MLA Mr. Amandeep Singh Goldy Musafir, former MLA Mr. Gurpreet Singh GP, SC Wing President Mr. Chuspinder Singh Chahal, Deputy Commissioner Ms. Amarpreeet Kaur Sandhu, SSP Mr. Gurmeet Singh, and senior officials, visited Kanwanwali Pattan and reached Ram Singh Bhaini by boat to distribute relief materials.
Mr. Sond also visited the Civil Hospital, where he met the family of a person who died due to a snakebite, and assured them that the Punjab Government would extend every possible help in their hour of grief.