Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann deploys state helicopter for flood relief

CHANDIGARH: Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday deployed his official state helicopter for flood relief efforts in the affected area. During a ground-zero visit to the flood-affected regions of Gurdaspur and Pathankot, Mann interacted with local residents to assess the situation first-hand.Mann said, “Talking to people, I found out that in many villages people are stuck on their rooftops, including children. Ration is not reaching them," Mann said. “The people who gave our party 92 seats and gave me the services of the helicopter, I am handing it over to them. I am leaving the Punjab govt’s chopper here. I have told the DC Saab (Gurdaspur) that it should be used to supply milk, water, ration, whatever is required.

I will go back by car."The chief minister also shared on X, “A natural disaster is not in anyone's control, but our govt will not abandon anyone. Every life is precious to us," he posted. He further assured that the govt would compensate for all losses suffered by the people and that the situation would "soon return to normal."An official spokesperson, meanwhile, said that CM Mann has constituted a dedicated flood management committee.

A flood control room has already been established in Jalandhar to serve as a central hub for operations. The committee includes ministers who have been assigned specific roles and regions. Ministers Balbir Singh, Gurmeet Singh Khudian, and Barinder Kumar Goyal will collectively monitor the flood situation across the entire state of Punjab. For localized supervision, ministers Mohinder Bhagat and Hardeep Singh Mundian have been given responsibility for Kapurthala, while Laljit Singh Bhullar and Harbhajan Singh will oversee the situation in Tarn Taran. Additionally, Baljit Kaur and Tarunpreet Singh Sond have been appointed as the in-charges for Fazilka.