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.

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.

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.

Chandigarh, August 31

In the wake of recent floods, the Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is actively engaged in a comprehensive relief and rehabilitation effort. The Chief Minister and his cabinet ministers are conducting continuous tours of affected areas to ensure that necessary aid reaches residents and to personally oversee the administration’s relief operations.

Members of the government and key officials have been mobilizing resources and providing on-the-ground support. Member of Parliament Dr. Raj Kumar Chabbewal has approved ₹50 lakh from his MPLAD fund for flood relief and rehabilitation in Hoshiarpur district. This funding will be directed toward reinforcing and repairing the Dhussi Dam embankment in the Mukerian constituency and the Kukran Dam in the Chabbewal constituency, both of which were significantly damaged by the recent floods.

Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema visited the Khanauri Headworks to assess the situation of the Ghaggar River, noting that the water level is currently at 743.7 feet, well below the danger mark of 748 feet. He assured the public that the situation is under control and appealed to the Union Government to urge the Haryana government to withdraw the stay on widening the Ghaggar River as this would allow the Punjab government to broaden and strengthen the river’s banks, enhancing the safety of its citizens.

Cabinet Minister Aman Arora, accompanied by Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO and MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, visited the Ajnala constituency to review ongoing relief work. The ministers toured the most severely affected village, Ghonewal, reaching it by tractor amidst heavy rain. Moved by the devastation, Arora affirmed the government’s commitment to compensating residents for their losses.

Similarly, Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur personally distributed relief materials to flood-affected individuals near the Chand Bhan drain in Fazilka district. She said that over ₹70 lakh in relief supplies, including 4,558 ration kits and 2,017 bags of cattle feed, have been distributed in the Fazilka constituency. Sanitary pads and mosquito nets were also provided to women, while old-age homes have been opened for affected senior citizens, and all necessary facilities are being provided at relief camps.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh, along with MLA Gurdeep Singh Randhawa, visited the flood-affected areas of Gurdaspur district. The Health Minister visited relief camps set up by the district administration in villages Narhawali, Kalanor, Machrala, Pakhoke, and Dera Baba Nanak to review the health services being provided  to people by the Health Department.

Local Government Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh, accompanied by Tanda MLA Jasvir Singh Raja Gill, inspected the Dhussi Dam embankment on the Beas River bridge connecting Tanda and Sri Hargobindpur. He instructed officials to take immediate steps to strengthen and secure the Dhussi. He also visited a relief camp in Miyani village to assess the needs of affected families.

Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, during “Sada MLA Sade Vich ” program, announced that a long-standing issue of villages near the Bhakhra Dam being hit by floods has been resolved. He said that the Punjab government has spent ₹15 crore to build spurs and strengthen the banks of the Sutlej River in the Sri Anandpur Sahib constituency, protecting the area from floods this year. He is regularly monitoring villages of Beleyan at Sri Anandpur Sahib constituency.

The work of distributing relief materials is continuously going on in the flood affected areas of Bhoa assembly constituency of Pathankot district. Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak Cabinet Minister Punjab today distributed relief materials in villages Bamiyal, Palah, Chak Amir and other villages of Bamiyal area.

In the Patti constituency, Cabinet Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar toured flood-affected areas, visiting villages like Jalloke, Kot Buddha, Bhaowal, and Rasulpur. He provided essential items, including ration, medicine, tarpaulins, and fodder for livestock, to the residents.

Following Chief Minister Mann’s instructions, Chief Secretary K.A.P. Sinha also visited the flood-affected areas of Ajnala and Ramdas in Amritsar district. He reviewed the arrangements at the relief center in Chamiari village, accompanied by senior officials, including Principal Secretary of the Water Resources Department Krishan Kumar, Administrative Secretaries Kamal Kishore Yadav, Varun Roojam, and Basant Garg.

Chandigarh, August 30:

The Punjab State IAS Officers’ Association and the Punjab Civil Service (EB) Officers’ Association have expressed solidarity with the people affected by the recent floods in Punjab.

As a gesture of support, both Associations have resolved to contribute one day’s salary to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund to aid ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts.

Reiterating their commitment, the Associations stated that officers will continue to serve the people of Punjab with dedication and compassion under the leadership of the Chief Minister, Punjab.

Chandigarh, August 30:

Punjab Water Resources Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal today came down heavily on the Union Government, holding it responsible for aggravating Punjab’s worst flood in the last 37 years.

Addressing the press conference here at Punjab Bhawan, the Cabinet Minister said that timely release of water by the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) in June could have significantly reduced the devastation. The Cabinet Minister further lamented that even as lakhs of people in Punjab continue to suffer, the Prime Minister has not made a single statement on the crisis, let alone extend any support to the state.

Raising concern over Haryana’s approach, the Cabinet Minister alleged that while Haryana, on one hand, sends letters offering help, on the other, it has also communicated that Punjab be left to drown by reducing Haryana’s share of water flow during this monsoon from 7,900 cusecs to 6,250 cusecs to protect its canal systems and population, thereby leaving Punjab to its fate. He added that despite repeated requests, BBMB failed to release adequate water from dams in June, which could have helped mitigate the impact of floods in Punjab.

The Minister further disclosed that a private company “Level 19 Biz Private Limited,” which had been engaged in 2024 to assess the structural strength of Madhopur headworks gates, wrongly certified them as capable of withstanding 6.25 lakh cusecs of water. However, the gates failed to manage even half the certified capacity, leading to their collapse and the tragic death of a department employee. Sh. Goyal said this grave lapse has not only exposed negligence but also worsened the crisis. A strict notice has been served to the company and punitive action is being initiated.

Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal said that due to heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir, coupled with the convergence of water from khuds and nullahs into the regulated discharge from the state’s rivers, Punjab is witnessing one of the most devastating floods in its history, far worse than the catastrophic floods of 1988. He pointed out that although only 2.15 lakh cusecs of water was released into Ravi river from Ranjit Sagar Dam, the additional flow from khuds and nullahs of adjoining states turned the situation into massive destruction. He said that the regulated discharge aggravated by the sudden convergence of floodwaters from khuds and nullahs has surpassed all previous records, causing widespread devastation across seven districts of the state.

Sh. Goyal revealed that in 1988, river Ravi had carried 11.20 lakh cusecs of water, whereas this year it has reached 14.11 lakh cusecs. Out of this, around 2.15 lakh cusecs were released from Ranjit Sagar Dam while the remaining flow came from khuds, nullahs and catchment areas of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and Punjab. “This unprecedented surge directly impacted three districts with waters of the Ravi, while four other districts suffered heavy losses due to floods from Beas and Sutlej rivers, inflicting massive damage to standing crops, livestock and habitation,” he said.

Highlighting the relief and rescue measures, the Cabinet Minister informed that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government ensured timely evacuation and protection of lives. Over 11,330 people were rescued and shifted to 87 relief camps where food, shelter and medical care were provided. Nearly 110 persons were airlifted from marooned areas with assistance from NDRF, SDRF and Army teams. “The foremost priority of the Punjab Government was to save every life. From senior district officials to patwaris and volunteers, every arm of the government worked on the ground with the people,” he added.

The Water Resources Minister also clarified that extensive evacuation of livestock has been carried out. Market committee sheds and relief shelters were used to accommodate animals in affected areas of Ferozepur and Fazilka, with large quantities of fodder supplied by the government and voluntary organizations. “Our government gave special attention to livestock because unlike humans, they cannot raise a cry for help. We ensured that no animal was left unattended,” he noted.

Commenting on the opposition’s remarks, Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal said this is not the time for blame games but for united action. He appealed to all political, social and religious leaders to rise above party lines and extend full cooperation in relief operations. He also underlined the need for states to be empowered with the authority to assess damages and disburse compensation from the national disaster pool since they are closest to ground realities.

Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Mr. Jitender Pal Singh, Chief Engineer (Headquarters) and other senior officers.

Chandigarh, August 30:

With swift and proactive response of the Punjab Government, as many as 4,711 flood-affected people were evacuated and shifted to safer places during the past 24 hours. These include 812 residents of Ferozepur, 2,571 from Gurdaspur, 4 from Moga, 60 from Tarn Taran, 25 from Barnala, and 1,239 from Fazilka.

According to reports received from different districts, a total of 11,330 people have been rescued so far from nine flood-hit districts. These include 2,819 from Ferozepur, 1,052 from Hoshiarpur, 240 from Kapurthala, 4,771 from Gurdaspur, 24 from Moga, 1,100 from Pathankot, 60 from Tarn Taran, 25 from Barnala, and 1,239 from Fazilka.

Currently, 77 relief camps are fully operational out of 87 set up in flood affected areas, providing shelter to 4,729 people. The administration is taking care of all the essential needs of these people. In Kapurthala, 110 people are staying in four camps; in Ferozepur, 3,450 people are housed in eight camps; Hoshiarpur has 20 camps with 478 people; Gurdaspur has 12 active camps with 255 people; Pathankot has 14 camps with 411 people; Barnala has one camp housing 25 people; Fazilka has 11 camps, Moga five, and Amritsar two.

A spokesperson informed that relief material was distributed in Kapurthala on August 15, 27, 28, and 29, and distribution will continue as required. Similarly, regular relief supplies are being provided in Ferozepur, Gurdaspur, Moga, Pathankot, Fazilka, and Barnala.

The NDRF, SDRF, Punjab Police and Army are playing a vital role in the operations with active support from local communities. Seven NDRF teams are deployed in Gurdaspur, one each in Fazilka and Ferozepur, and two in Pathankot. SDRF has deployed two teams in Kapurthala. The Army, BSF, and Air Force are also engaged in operations in Kapurthala, Gurdaspur, Ferozepur, and Pathankot. Alongside the civil administration, Punjab Police is extending full support to the affected people.

Floods have so far affected 1,018 villages across Punjab. These include 81 in Pathankot, 52 in Fazilka, 45 in Tarn Taran, 64 in Sri Muktsar Sahib, 22 in Sangrur, 101 in Ferozepur, 107 in Kapurthala, 323 in Gurdaspur, 85 in Hoshiarpur, and 35 in Moga.

The state has also suffered huge financial losses due to crop damage and livestock loss. As per reports from district headquarters, 16,632 hectares (41,099 acres) of land have been affected in Fazilka, 10,806 hectares in Ferozepur, 11,620 hectares in Kapurthala, 7,000 hectares in Pathankot, 9,928 hectares in Tarn Taran, and 5,287 hectares in Hoshiarpur.