Chandigarh, Sep 3 (UNI) Punjab is grappling with widespread flooding across all its 23 districts, prompting the state government to declare the entire region disaster-affected. In an official directive, Chief Secretary Sinha has canceled all employee leaves to ensure uninterrupted relief operations. To prioritize public safety, particularly for children, schools and colleges across the state will remain closed until September 7.
In Jalandhar, the overflow of the Sutlej River has inundated approximately 30 villages, while the Ghaggar River, nearing danger levels, has triggered alerts in Patiala and Sangrur districts. The worsening situation has drawn high-level attention, with union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan scheduled to visit Punjab on Thursday to assess the crisis, as announced on his social media. Additionally, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal is set to visit the state today to review the flood situation and ongoing relief efforts.
AAP MP Raghav Chadha has allocated ₹3.25 crore from his MP fund for flood protection and relief measures. Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has called for an immediate relief package for affected farmers and families.
Tragic incidents have compounded the crisis. In Jalandhar’s Basti Sheikh area, a house collapsed this morning, though the occupant escaped unharmed as they were not home. In Barnala, a couple lost their lives when their house collapsed amid intermittent rainfall last night.
The floods have impacted over 3.5 lakh people across Punjab, with Gurdaspur reporting 1.45 lakh affected individuals and Amritsar 1.17 lakh. Firozpur, Fazilka, and Pathankot are also witnessing significant distress, with thousands affected. In response, all institutes under the Employment Generation, Skill Development, and Training Department, including skill development centers, C-PYTE camps, and armed forces preparatory institutes, will remain closed until September 7.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann emphasized the state’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, with the government prioritizing safety in flood-hit areas.
Hindi film actor Randeep Hooda has joined relief efforts in Gurdaspur, distributing essential supplies and offering support to affected communities. Assuring residents of his solidarity, Hooda pledged continued assistance during this challenging time. Punjabi singers Geet Gouraya and Resham Singh Anmol are also actively involved, distributing rations and medicines in flood-affected areas.
Congress MP Charanjit Singh Channi shared a video from Daudpur in the Chamkaur Sahib Assembly constituency, where he was seen coordinating with Indian Army officials to strengthen a dam along the Sutlej River. In the video, Channi and locals chanted “Bharat Mata ki Jai” while reinforcing the embankment with military support.
The state continues to battle the crisis, with relief operations in full swing to mitigate the impact of the floods.
Punjab Floods: Schools, colleges closed till Sep 7
