Category Archives: Chandigarh

350 Chandigarh Police Officers and Personnel Benefit from Free Health Check-up Camp Organized

Chandigarh: A free health check-up camp was organized by Mukat Hospital & Heart Institute, Sector 34 in collaboration with Chandigarh Police at the Multipurpose Hall, Police Lines, Sector 26.

The camp was held on the initiative of Director General of Police Sh. Sagar Preet Hooda, IPS and Superintendent of Police Sh. Manjeet Sheoran, IPS. The occasion was graced by DSP Lines & PCR Smt. Harjit Kaur Sandhu, DSP Welfare Centre Smt. Manju Sharma, Inspector Reena Yadav (Incharge CPD), Inspector Jaswinder Kaur (Incharge Admin, PCR) along with other senior police officials.

Specialist doctors from Mukat Hospital were present to provide consultations, including Dr. Suranjana Basak (Neurology), Dr. Tejas Sood (Pulmonology), Dr. Sumu Chowdhury (Orthopaedics), Dr. Ramesh Aggarwal (Laparoscopic Surgery), and Dr. Jyotika Sharma (Gynaecology). Free diagnostic services such as Blood Pressure, Blood Sugar, ECG, Bone Mineral Densitometry, PAP Smear, and Pulmonary Function Tests were made available at the camp.

On the proposal of DSP Harjit Kaur and DSP Manju Sharma, the hospital agreed to conduct training sessions on Lifestyle Management, CPR, and First Aid for all police officials deputed at various Beat Box posts across Chandigarh.

As an additional initiative to assist road accident victims, 10 PCR vehicles were provided with First Aid Kits by the hospital’s GM (Marketing) Sh. B.S. Sandhu. Hospital representatives also conducted a demonstration for PCR staff on the correct usage of these kits. Free Women’s Hygiene Kits were distributed to all women participants.

The camp saw enthusiastic participation from police personnel and their families, with more than 350 beneficiaries availing OPD services. Discount coupons were also distributed to all attendees. Sh. Nehchal Singh, COO of Mukat Hospital, announced that free OPD consultations for all specialities at Mukat Hospital would remain available until 30 September 2025.

Gita’s message now part of India’s cultural relations with Indonesia: CM Nayab Singh Saini

Chandigarh, September 13 – Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said the divine message given by Lord Shri Krishna to Arjun in Kurukshetra, Haryana, is being spread across the world. India already had old cultural relations with Indonesia and now, Gita’s message has also become a part of these relations.

Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini was giving his video message on Saturday evening on the occasion of the three-day Sixth International Gita Mahotsav being held at the Bali Parliament auditorium in Indonesia. During this, Indonesia also released a postage stamp on the Gita.

The Chief Minister said that the International Gita Mahotsav has been organized in Indonesia under the guidance of Swami Gyananand Ji Maharaj. The citizens here will also receive the knowledge of the Gita and further spread it so that the world may benefit from it. He said that Swami Gyananand Ji has inspired the citizens of Indonesia to imbibe the Gita in their lives. This will strengthen the relations between Indonesia and India.

Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that now, Gita Mahotsav is being organized abroad outside Kurukshetra also. So far, International Gita Mahotsav has been organized in Mauritius, London, Canada, Australia, Sri Lanka and UK. In the coming time, International Gita Mahotsav will also be organized in other countries. The Chief Minister appealed to the citizens of Indonesia to imbibe the divine message of the Gita in their lives.

Gita Manishi Swami Gyananand Ji Maharaj said that from the Gita the world receives the art of living and the mantra of harmony and peace. The welfare of the world possible only from the core mantras of the Gita. If even one minute of Gita recitation is done, it makes a person strong in thought and mind. There is full enthusiasm and energy in Bali, Indonesia, regarding the International Gita Mahotsav. The citizens of Indonesia will imbibe the Gita in their lives and also spread this knowledge further.

On this occasion, Haryana Tourism Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma said that in Haryana a grand statue of Lord Shri Krishna should be built which the whole world should recognize. For this, every support will be given by the Tourism Department of the state.

Wedakarna MWS III Bali Senator Dr. I. Gusti Ngura Arya said that people in Indonesia already have great respect for the Gita but now with the organization of International Gita Mahotsav, the common people will be even more connected with the Gita. He said that Bali is the younger brother of India. He will continue to organize programmes related to the Gita in the future as well.

On this occasion, Secretary of Ministry of External Affairs, South Region, Dr. Neena Malhotra, Bali MLA Professor Somveer, India’s CGI in Bali Shashank Vikram, MLA Buddhi Uttama, MLA Raki, MLA Medu Parta, Haryana Women Commission Chairperson Renu Bhatia, Chairperson Sushma Gupta, Mayor of Karnal Renu Bala Gupta, Honorary Secretary Upendra Singhal, 48 Kos Monitoring Committee Chairman Madan Mohan Chhabra along with other dignitaries were present.

CM directs officers to ensure quality in DPRs of new roads with proper drainage plans

Chandigarh, September 13 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the DPR of the roads to be constructed in the state must ensure quality and the DPR should also include a proper drainage plan. Apart from this, every site must be inspected, samples should be collected, tested in the lab, and their reports should be preserved.

Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini gave these directions today while presiding over a review meeting regarding the road repair works of various departments. During this, all Deputy Commissioners and DMCs also joined the meeting through video conferencing.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini directed the officers that all concerned departments must ensure installation of sign boards on the roads. Along with this, berms should also be constructed on the roads. He also directed that in areas where road works are in progress, feedback should be taken from local residents, inter-state connecting roads should be improved, and beautification should be done by planting trees.

The Chief Minister also directed the officers that the work of the roads whose tenders have already been allotted in the state must be started immediately. Also, officers of the concerned departments in the districts should have complete information about the works being carried out there. Apart from this, development works should be completed within the stipulated time frame, and special attention should be given to quality, with no compromise whatsoever.

*Before Gita Jayanti, various chowks in Kurukshetra will be beautified on the theme of Mahabharata*

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini also directed that in areas where rainwater was flowing over the roads, such locations should be identified and pipes should be laid for water drainage. In addition, various chowks in Kurukshetra should be beautified on the theme of Mahabharata. This work should be completed before Gita Jayanti, he directed. He also said that in the hilly areas of Morni, where kutcha paths have been damaged due to rain, they should be repaired under MGNREGA.

*CM directes collection of road samples for testing*

The Chief Minister directed the concerned Deputy Commissioners to collect samples of various roads and get them tested. These roads include the road in front of PM Shree Girls Senior Secondary School and Bhirdana road in district Fatehabad, the road in Sector 14 in district Hisar, the road of village Samastpur Majra and village Marout in district Jhajjar, and the road constructed from village Mouli to village Pyarewala in district Panchkula. Samples of these roads should be collected and tested.

In the meeting, officers informed the Chief Minister that due to rains in the state, 1107 kilometers length of roads of the Public Works Department have been damaged. An estimated amount of Rs. 287 crore will be spent on their repair, work for which will start soon. Apart from this, tenders have been issued for 240 kilometers length of roads of Haryana Urban Development Authority, whose work will start soon. At the same time, the tender process is going on for 208 kilometers length of roads. They informed the Chief Minister that 209 roads of Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board have been completed at a cost of Rs. 89 crore, while work is in progress on 236 roads at a cost of Rs. 140 crore. The tender process is underway for 38 roads.

On this occasion, Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi, Additional Chief Secretary of Energy Department Sh. AK Singh, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Sh. Arun Kumar Gupta, Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Dr. Saket Kumar, along with senior officers of various departments were present.

Seva Pakhwada to be Celebrated with Great Enthusiasm in Ambala Cantonment – Workers to Participate with Full Zeal- Haryana Energy, Transport & Labour Minister Anil Vij

Chandigarh, September 13 – Haryana’s Energy, Transport and Labour Minister, Sh. Anil Vij said that the Seva Pakhwada will be celebrated with fervor and large-scale participation in Ambala Cantonment from September 17 to October 2. He said the fortnight of service coincides with the 75th birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 17 and the birth anniversaries of Lal Bahadur Shastri and Mahatma Gandhi on October 2.

Addressing a large gathering at Lord Mahavir Jain Public School in Ambala Cantonment, Vij said, “We must actively participate in Seva Pakhwada. Seeing the enthusiasm of so many workers here today fills me with energy. Our workers are our oxygen and true strength.”

He outlined the activities planned during the fortnight, blood donation camps, cleanliness drives, health camps, exhibitions, intellectual dialogues, Namo Marathon, seminars, distribution of aids to differently-abled citizens, art competitions under Viksit Bharat, tree plantation drives (Namo Van), creation of Namo Parks, sports tournaments, and more.


Highlighting key initiatives, Vij said that in each of BJP’s four mandals, 75 people will donate blood on the Prime Minister’s 75th birthday. Photos of these blood donors will be displayed at BJP offices. Similarly, 75 saplings will be planted in each mandal under the Namo Van program. He urged party officials to identify suitable land for tree plantation so that Ambala Cantonment becomes greener, “Planting trees will be the biggest gift to Prime Minister Modi,” he said. Health check-up camps and exhibitions will also be organized alongside. Vij stressed the need for mass cleanliness campaigns, that “The monsoon season has just ended, and every street and locality now demands cleanliness. Booth-level teams must take initiative in their respective areas. A clean Ambala will be the most meaningful tribute to Modi ji.”

Sharing personal experiences, Vij said that “Prime Minister Modi rose from being a simple volunteer to the Prime Minister of India – a journey shaped by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). I myself was inspired during my college days when my professor Gopal Kishan ji introduced me to ABVP and RSS. For the past 100 years, RSS has been working tirelessly in multiple fields for the nation and society. Out of its 48 wings, one is the BJP.”


Vij also attacked opposition parties, citing his efforts to build an 8 km-long embankment on Tangri river that saved Ambala Cantonment from flooding this monsoon when record 43,000 cusecs of water flowed into the river. “For 70 years, those who ruled never built embankments. When I did, the Opposition expressed deep anguish instead of appreciating it.” He revealed that desilting work along the Tangri river was stalled due to opposition interference, vigilance complaints, and ongoing court cases. “Had the work not been stopped, water would not have reached the other side of the river,” Vij asserted.


Responding to criticism, Vij said, “I too spent many years in the Opposition, but I never blocked development works. Today, if I am here, it is because of the work I have done, not by obstructing work.” He also cited stormwater drainage pipelines laid in Ambala Cantonment which prevented waterlogging in markets.

The program was attended by Municipal Council Chairperson Swarn Kaur, Vice-Chairman Lalta Prasad, BJP leaders Sanjeev Soni, Rajiv Gupta Dimple, Ashish Aggarwal, Vijender Chauhan, B.S. Bindra, Ajay Baveja, Harsh Bindra, Pravesh Sharma, Puneet Sarpal, Fakirchand Saini, Tarvinder Singh Sonu, Narendra Rana, Balwinder Singh Shahpur, Councillor Madanlal, Bharat Kochhar, Rambabu Yadav and a large number of enthusiastic workers.

CM announces to make all flood affected villages free from Silt and debris in 10 days

Chandigarh, September 13:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday announced to embark Mega Rehabilitation and Cleanliness Drive worth Rs 100 crore in Flood-Affected Areas across the state.

Interacting with the media persons, the Chief Minister said that as Floodwaters have now receded from many areas, but a large amount of silt and dirt still remains across villages and towns. He said that to restore normal life, it is essential to clean these areas for which the state government is launching a mega cleanliness drive in all 2,300 affected villages and wards. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that every village, the state government has constituted teams with JCB machines, tractor-trolleys, and labor adding that these teams will remove silt and debris from each village and carry out complete cleaning drive.

The Chief Minister apprehended that as several animals have also lost their lives so these teams will properly dispose off them, after which cleaning, fogging will be carried out in every village to ensure that the spread of diseases is checked. He said that the state government has allocated ₹100 crore for this entire campaign adding that out of this, ₹1 lakh is being released to every affected village as initial funds to start the work. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that any further requirements will also be covered from this fund adding that the state government will bear the full cost of cleaning.

Setting the deadline, the Chief Minister said that by September 24 all villages will be made silt and debris free by cleaning them and October 15 repair work at public places will be completed. Similarly he said that by October 22 the cleaning of ponds will be finished adding that The government has already made all the necessary arrangements. However, Bhagwant Singh Mann solicited the participation of NGOs, youth clubs, and other organizations in this noble cause Just as everyone had united and fought against this disaster together.

The Chief Minister said that Alongside, it is equally important to ensure that no disease spreads after the floods and that anyone with health-related problems immediately receives medical care. For this purpose, he said that the state government will set up medical camps in all 2,303 flood-affected villages adding that In 596 villages, where Aam Aadmi Clinics already exist, medical camps, facilities, and medicines will be available there. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that in the remaining 1,707 villages, these medical camps will be set up at community spaces such as schools, dharamshalas, anganwadi centers, or panchayat buildings.

The Chief Minister said that each camp will be equipped with doctors, medical staff, and medical facilities. He said that the state government has arranged 550 ambulances for this special campaign so that people in affected villages face no delay or difficulty in receiving medical service. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that as per reports so far, about 2.5 lakh animals across 713 villages have been affected by the floods and to prevent the spread of diseases among them, the government has launched a campaign to save them and support farmers.

The Chief Minister said that teams of Veterinary doctors’ have been deployed in all villages and a special campaign is being run for the cleaning and disinfection of animals and their shelters. He said that Debris and spoiled fodder from animal shelters will be removed and Farmers will be provided potassium permanganate to disinfect fodder and water. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that by September 30 vaccination of all affected animals will be completed to prevent the spread of diseases.

The Chief Minister said that at this time, any help for farmers is still insufficient, yet the government is determined to do its best. He said that in Punjab, procurement of crops will begin early this year, and arrangements have already been made in mandis to ensure that procurement begins in them from September 16. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the mandis that were hit by floods are being cleaned and being repaired on a war footing and by September 19 these flood-affected mandis will also be ready for procurement.

The Chief Minister reiterated that the state government is making every possible effort to support the flood-affected people. He expressed hope that unitedly Punjab will emerge stronger from this disaster adding he announced to once again dedicate himself to the cause of building a vibrant and flourishing Punjab. Taking BJP to cudgels, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the anti-Punjab face of BJP has been exposed as they did not help the state during tough time and that’s why they are now trying to divert attention with irrelevant talk.

The Chief Minister said that people of Punjab are asking them to clearly when and how much money the central government has given to state. He said that the answer to this question will clear everything but the BJP leaders are avoiding it because it will exposed their real face. He advised the BjP leaders to not play politics with Punjab during difficult times as Punjabis don’t  forget these things. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that as far as the funds that actually came from the Centre are concerned and how much has been spent, the report is available and all can see it themselves.

Giving details, the Chief Minister said that the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) was established in the year 2010, and since then, a total of ₹5012 crore has been received in this fund. Out of this, he said that Rs 3820 crore has been spent over the years on relief efforts during natural disasters. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the picture is crystal clear but the BJP is exaggerating the issue just to mislead the people in this hour of crisis.

The Chief Minister said that instead of raising such irrrlevang issues, all of us should join hands to help the people of Punjab. He said that all the Punjabis need to come together and rebuild Punjab which has been devastated by the fury of floods. Bhagwant Singh Mann reiterated that the state government will not spare any stone unturned for this noble cause.

Punjab Government is working day & night to serve flood affected people- Harpal Singh Cheema

Chandigarh, September 13:

Punjab Government under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann is working day and night to serve the flood affected persons.  The flood affected people need not to worry about anything as whatever loss they have suffered will be compensated by the Punjab Government. Cabinet Ministers and the entire administration are engaged in assisting the flood victims  and will continue to be engaged in the service of flood affected persons till the situation completely normalises.

Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur listened to the problems of flood affected people of about 20 villages including Ram Singh Bhaini of Fazilka district.  She added that compensation will also be given to uncultivated land of farmers and the work of ‘Girdawari’ is under progress.  She donated Rs 2 lakh to the CM relief fund.  She said that the repair work of roads has been started and transport facilities will be restored shortly.

Cabinet Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains informed that the building of Baba Gurditta Ji Gurdwara Kiratpur Sahib has also collapsed due to heavy rain and the service of laying concrete pillars around Gurdwara Baba Gurditta Ji has been started after Ardas.  He added that the area around it will be widened and a large parking facility will be provided there.  Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema and Harjot Singh Bains also visited flood affected villages of Nangal  area. Cabinet Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal today also visited Ghaggar river in Lehragaga, Sangrur.

A major cleanliness drive has been launched in 25 flood-affected villages of district Pathankot under the supervision of Cabinet Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak. The name of  villages are Tas, Makhanpur, Barmal Jattan, Akhwana, Manjiri Jattan, Majiri Aryan, Sekhupur Manjiri, Manjiri Rajput, Paharipur, Farwal, Bamiyal, Bhagwal, Datyal, Jainpur, Jhark, Pamman, Kohlian, Anyal, Kilpur, Ghazibarwan, Charoli, Basau Barwan, Adam Barwan, Kansi Barwan and Khudaipur. In the cleanliness drive- streets were cleaned, spraying on stagnant water and fogging was also done. In this way, people were motivated towards cleanliness drive.

PSPCL to start “make-over” to upgrade power lines across Punjab announces Power Minister Sanjeev Arora

Chandigarh/Ludhiana, September 13:

Cabinet Minister for Power Sanjeev Arora today announced a comprehensive “make-over” to upgrade power lines across Punjab. Arora said that during various election meetings this had been the primary demand of the people.

Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) has launched a special project to upgrade power lines in 13 major Municipal Corporations, covering 87 PSPCL subdivisions, to improve public safety, reduce outages, and enhance city aesthetics.

Key components of the project

1. Removal of non-electric wires from PSPCL poles: All dish cables, internet fibre and other non-PSPCL wiring will be cleared from PSPCL poles to enhance public safety and enable faster, more accurate visual inspection and fault detection.

2. Raising low-hanging electric wires and cables: Lines will be brought to safe heights to prevent accidents, particularly those involving large vehicles.

3. Replacement of multiple cable joints: Multiple joints will be removed and replaced with continuous new cable to reduce outages, voltage fluctuations and fire hazards.

4. Sealing of open meter boxes: Meter boxes will be securely closed and sealed to protect against weather, tampering and to improve overall public safety.

Scope and rollout

– Municipal Corporations covered: Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Patiala, Bathinda, Phagwara, Mohali, Moga, Hoshiarpur, Pathankot, Abohar, Batala and Kapurthala.

– Total coverage: 87 PSPCL subdivisions across the 13 Municipal Corporations.

– Pilot project: A pilot project will begin in the City West Ludhiana Subdivision on 25 feeders. PSPCL will supply all required materials; the labour component for the pilot (amounting to approximate ₹1.2 crore) will be outsourced to ensure rapid execution. The pilot project is scheduled for completion within two months. The Pilot project will cover some areas of Ludhiana West and North; MLA West Constituency covers areas including Aarti Chowk, Baba Balak Nath Road, Basant Road, Circuit House, College Road, CP Office, Dandi Swami Road, DC Office, Deewan Hospital Road, Dr. Hira Singh Road, Durga Mata Mandir, Dyal Nagar, Feroz Gandhi Market, Ferozepur Road, Friends Colony, Ghumar Mandi, Gobind Nagar, Green Field, Green Park, Guru Nanak Bhawan, Guru Nanak Stadium, HaibowalChowk, Hero Bakery Chowk, Jagjit Nagar, Jaswant Nagar, Kitchlu Nagar, Kochar Market, Krishna Nagar, Lekhi Road, Loomba Street, Mall Enclave, Mall Road, Malerkotla House, Malwa School Road, Maya Nagar, Mayor House, Maharaj Nagar, Model Gram, National Road, New Courts Complex, New Lajpat Nagar, New Prem Nagar, Nihal Chand Road, Officers Colony, PAU Road, Pakhowal Road, Park Street, Partap Colony, Patel Nagar, Police Lines, Prince Hostel, Rani Jhansi Road, Rajpura Pind, Rakh Bagh, Rose Enclave, Rose Garden, Saggu Chowk, Sangat Road, Sant Isher Nagar, Sant Nagar, Sargodha Colony, Sham Singh Road, Shakti Nagar, Shivdev Marg, Tagore Nagar, Udham Singh Nagar and Vishwamitter Street.

MLA North Constituency encompasses Damoria Bridge, New Kudanpuri, Shahi Mohalla, Guru Nanak Pura, Kudan Puri, Chander Nagar, Deep Nagar, New Deep Nagar, Vivek Nagar, Ram Nagar, Dushera Ground, Upkar Nagar, New Upkar Nagar, Bindraban Road, Women Cell, Satsang Road, Champa Street, United Street, Kailash Chowk, Rajinder Nagar, Akash Puri, Neem Chowk, Jandu Chowk, Park Lane Road, Shiv Mandir Chowk and Prem Nagar.

– Full rollout: Based on lessons learned from the pilot, the programme will be implemented in next phase across all 87 subdivisions, with a target completion date of June 2026.

Expected benefits

– Immediate reduction in accidents caused by low-hanging lines and entanglement with non-electric wiring.

– Faster fault detection and response, leading to fewer and shorter power outages.

– Reduced voltage fluctuations and fire risk through elimination of multiple cable joints.

– Improved protection of metering equipment and reduced tampering, enhancing consumer safety and reliability.

– Cleaner streetscapes and improved urban aesthetics.

Other present during the press conference along with Hon’ble Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora, were DC Himanshu Jain, Director Transmission Inderpal, Chief Engineer PSPCL Jagdev Singh Hans and other senior officials of PSPCL.

3rd National Lok Adalat organized throughout the State of Punjab

Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, September 13 :

Punjab State Legal Services Authority has successfully organized the 3rd National Lok Adalat on 13.09.2025 throughout the State of Punjab under the visionary leadership of  Mr. Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra, Judge, Punjab & Haryana High Court and Executive Chairman of Punjab State Legal Services Authority.

Disclosing this here today Member Secretary Ms Navjot Kaur said that this mega event was organized under the aegis of National Legal Services Authority, with an aim to deliver speedy and amicable resolution of disputes to ensure access to justice for all, in line with article 39-A of constitution of India.

In line with its objective of delivering accessible justice to all, the Lok Adalat saw active participation from both litigants and legal professionals. Various types of cases, including civil, matrimonial, property, motor vehicle accidents, and other related matters, were resolved through conciliation and settlements, reducing the burden on the judiciary and providing relief to the parties involved.

In this Lok Adalat, total 447 Lok Adalat benches were constituted in all the Districts and Sub-divisions in which total 5.18 lac cases were taken up. Out of which, total 4.50 lac cases have been settled.

In this Lok Adalat, thousands of litigants across the State of Punjab got resolved their disputes. Several long pending mattes were amicably settled leading to decongestion of court dockets. The Courts witnessed an overwhelming response from Banking Institutions, Insurance Companies, Government Departments and the General Public. In this National Lok Adalat, the DLSA, Fazilka has settled 12 years old case of cheating and fraud involving payment of Rs.15,50,000/-. Special efforts were put in the Lok Adalat for interest of both the parties and ultimately, amicable settlement has been reached between the parties through this Lok Adalat.

In one of 8-year-old case, District Legal Services Authority, SAS Nagar has decided matter which was preferred by a decree holder namely Sheela claiming the award amount which was passed on 13.01.2017. The matter has been compromised between the parties and amount has been released in favour of the decree holder. Finally, a long pending litigation has come to an end. Apart from this, other districts have also decided the long pending matters in this National Lok Adalat.

On this occasion, Mr. Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra, Executive Chairman, Punjab State Legal Services Authority praised that despite the recent floods in the State, the Judicial Officers, District Legal Services Authorities and the volunteers across the State of Punjab have put stupendous efforts to make this mega event successful. 

Punjab State Legal Services Authority also expressed its deep gratitude to the Hon’ble High Court of Punjab and Haryana, all District Legal Services Authorities, the judiciary of the State, Bar Members, Police Authorities and Civil Administration for their support and cooperation.

HARJOT BAINS DEMANDS CENTRAL SUPPORT FOR CHANNELISATION OF SARSA & SWAN RIVERS TO PREVENT FUTURE CATASTROPHES

Chandigarh, September 13:

Punjab Education and Information & Public Relations Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains, today urged the Union Government for immediate and substantial support to mitigate the recurring flood devastation in the state, specifically calling for the channelization of the Sarsa and Swan rivers.

In a video message, S. Harjot Singh Bains warmly welcomed Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Information & Broadcasting, Dr. L. Murugan, who came to visit the flood-ravaged areas of the Rupnagar district today, while demanding a permanent solution of the recurring flood problem by the channelising of the Sarsa and Swan rivers, a critical project to prevent future catastrophes. He sought the Union Minister’s proactive support in securing the necessary approvals and funding from the Central Government for this vital infrastructure.

Mr. Bains urged Punjab’s BJP leaders to ensure the Union Minister witnesses the true scale of destruction firsthand. “I appeal to them to take Dr. Murugan not just to the main sites, but to villages Khera Kalmot, Bellas, and other severely affected areas, where the poor have lost their meagre belongings. Let him see the reality beyond the formal briefings,” he stated in a video message.

S. Bains also criticized the relief measures, declaring the Rs 1600 crore relief package announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “grossly inadequate” against damages amounting to thousands of crores. He highlighted that the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) norms render the compensation a “mockery of the suffering.”

“The compensation of Rs 6,500 for a partially damaged pucca house and Rs 2,500 for destroyed household essentials is an insult. Can a home be rebuilt with this sum? Is this what our nation offers to those who feed it?” S. Bains questioned. He further challenged the Union Minister to accompany him to the fields of Hariwal and Chandpur Bella to ask farmers if the Rs 6,800 per acre compensation even covers the diesel cost required to clear their ruined crops.

Invoking Punjab’s historic contribution to the nation, S. Harjot Singh Bains said, “Punjab has always been at the forefront of safeguarding and feeding the country. We do not seek charity; we seek our rightful due. I request the Union Minister to see the true picture and report the genuine plight of our people with urgency to the Prime Minister.”

HARDEEP SINGH MUNDIAN DIRECTS REVENUE OFFICIALS TO ENSURE TRANSPARENT, TIME-BOUND AND SWIFT ASSESSMENT

Chandigarh, September 13:

With the Special Girdawari across the state for assessing losses caused by the recent floods commencing today, Punjab Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Minister S. Hardeep Singh Mundian, on Saturday, directed all concerned officials to carry out the exercise in a transparent, time-bound and result-oriented manner so that no affected family is left out from receiving rightful compensation.

S. Hardeep Singh Mundian said this crucial drive has been launched in line with the directions of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, who has assured that every flood victim in Punjab will receive compensation within 45 days. He stressed that the entire exercise must be executed with utmost integrity and accountability, adding that compensation is not a favour but the right of the affected people.

The Revenue Minister made it clear that any negligence or deliberate delay on the part of officials will invite strict disciplinary action. He assured that the entire process will be personally monitored on a daily basis by the state government to ensure fairness and efficiency.

The Cabinet Minister further directed that revenue officials from non-affected areas be deployed in flood-hit villages to ensure timely completion of the assessment.

S. Mundian informed that total 2167 Patwaris have been deputed across the flood-affected areas of the state for conducting the Special Girdawari. The district-wise deployment includes Amritsar (196), Barnala (115), Bathinda (21), Faridkot (15), Fazilka (110), Ferozepur (113), Gurdaspur (343), Hoshiarpur (291), Jalandhar (84), Kapurthala (149), Ludhiana (60), Malerkotla (7), Mansa (95), Moga (29), Pathankot (88), Patiala (141), Rupnagar (92), Sangrur (107), SAS Nagar (15), Sri Muktsar Sahib (25) and Tarn Taran (71).

Teams will move village to village, conduct field inspections and prepare reports on crop damage, house losses and livestock deaths, he added.

“Farmers and residents will also be given an opportunity to raise objections, if any, within a week, so that corrections can be incorporated without delay,” said the Cabinet Minister, while reiterating the Chief Minister’s announcement that Punjab government has finalised the highest-ever compensation in the state’s history. Farmers will receive Rs.20,000 per acre for crop loss, families whose houses have collapsed will be given Rs.1,20,000 and those with partially damaged houses will get Rs.40,000. Likewise, livestock losses will also be compensated as per approved norms, including Rs.37,500 for cows or buffaloes and Rs.4,000 for goats.

He said that as per the latest flood report, the total crop area affected across Punjab is around 1,98,525 hectares, with major losses reported in Gurdaspur (40,169 hectares), Patiala (17,690 hectares), Tarn Taran (12,828 hectares), Fazilka (25,182 hectares), Ferozepur (17,257 hectares), Kapurthala (17,574 hectares), Sangrur (6,560 hectares), Hoshiarpur (8,322 hectares), Amritsar (27,154 hectares), Jalandhar (4,800 hectares), Rupnagar (1,135 hectares), Ludhiana (189 hectares), Bathinda (586.79 hectares), SAS Nagar (2,000 hectares), SBS Nagar (188 hectares), Pathankot (2442 hectares), Mansa (12207.38 hectares) and Moga (2240 hectares).

He said that as per the latest flood report, with one more death reported in district Moga within last 24 hours, the total death toll reached 56 human lives across the state till date.

He further said that the Mann government is committed to deliver cheques in hand to the affected people within 45 days. In villages where the entire crop has been destroyed, the process will be completed in just one month to provide immediate relief. Compensation for houses and livestock loss will start from September 15 and will also be completed within the stipulated timeline.