The EditorCabinet Minister Reviews Situation in Flood-Hit Areas
Pathankot, August 27:
Punjab Cabinet Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak visited several flood-affected villages including Gulpur Simbli, Sarna, Malikpur, Taragarh, and Rakwal to review the situation and interact with affected residents.
Heavy rainfall in Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh over the past few days has raised the water level of the Ranjit Sagar Dam. Water was released from Shahpurkandi, Pathankot, into the UBDC canal and other canals, leading to waterlogging in areas like Sujanpur, Malikpur, and Budha Nagar. At Gulpur Simbli, a breach in the UBDC canal caused flooding, prompting relief operations.
Rescue and Relief Operations Underway
Minister Kataruchak stated that rescue operations are being carried out across all flood-affected villages. He assured that all possible assistance is being provided to the people. Noting that this is the first time in nearly 40 years that such high water levels were seen in the canal, he urged residents not to tamper with flooded areas or go near overflowing canals.
He further said that helicopter services are being used to shift residents to safer places, control rooms have been set up, and relief camps have been established with arrangements for food and shelter. He also appealed to people not to believe in false rumors, assuring them that the administration and Aam Aadmi Party teams are fully active on the ground.
Stranded Passengers Sent to Jammu
During his visit to Malikpur, the minister met passengers stranded on the highway due to flooding. To assist them, he immediately arranged three buses to transport them safely to Jammu, enabling them to return to their homes.
At Gulpur Simbli, arrangements were also made to shift residents to safer locations after water entered the village. Later, the minister visited relief camps set up in Taragarh and other villages to review the facilities provided.
District Administration on Alert
Minister Kataruchak was accompanied by DSP Sukhjinder Singh, BC Wing District President Naresh Saini, Block President Pawan Kumar Fauji, Bhupinder Singh Kataruchak, and other Aam Aadmi Party representatives. He reiterated that the government and district administration are committed to providing full support and ensuring safety in all affected areas.
