Punjab’s Chief Minister, Bhagwant Singh Mann, has formed a high-powered committee comprising three senior state officers to directly oversee relief and rescue operations in the districts affected by the recent floods. This committee, composed of officers from the Revenue, Water Resources, and Food and Civil Supplies departments, will be permanently stationed in Amritsar and other affected areas. The Chief Minister has instructed Deputy Commissioners and other officials to fully implement the committee’s directives to assist those impacted by the floods. Mann emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting the affected populace and ensuring all necessary measures are taken. He also tasked the Chief Secretary with visiting the flooded regions to enhance the effectiveness of relief and rescue efforts. The aim is to accelerate relief operations, providing substantial support to the affected individuals. High water levels from the hilly regions have caused significant damage, with the Ravi River receiving an unprecedented 14.11 lakh cusec of water – exceeding the 11.20 lakh cusec received during the severe floods of 1988. The state has contacted Haryana and Rajasthan, requesting they divert excess water from the rivers. The Indian Army and 17 NDRF teams are actively involved in rescue operations, supported by advanced equipment. Ongoing efforts include evacuating stranded individuals, assessing damage, and preventing disease outbreaks across the flood-stricken areas. A multi-departmental workforce is working to complete relief and rescue tasks, plugging breaches in flooded rivers. Medical teams are on-site to provide preventive care, including water sampling, spraying, chlorination, and disease detection. The government is ensuring the availability of clean drinking water, essential supplies, and medical assistance. Pumping operations are underway to clear inundated areas. Surveys are being conducted to assess damage to infrastructure. Mobile medical units will be deployed to offer health services, and specialized teams will tackle dengue larva and educate the public on disease prevention. Veterinary teams will provide care for affected livestock, and a comprehensive sanitation drive, including fogging and professional cleaning, is planned to mitigate the spread of waterborne diseases.
