CM Bhagwant Mann dedicates helicopter for Punjab flood relief

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann visited flood-hit areas of Gurdaspur today following serious situation in seven districts of the state after heavy rains and dam water discharge.

The affected districts are Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Tarn Taran, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, Firozpur, and Fazilka. Over 150 villages have reportedly submerged even as rescue work is continuing.

CM Mann said he is dedicating his official helicopter to aid relief efforts.

“The people gave us this helicopter. I am now handing it over to them for delivering essentials like milk, rations, and water to those stranded,” he said, adding that he would return by car. Instructions have been issued to the deputy commissioner to coordinate the distribution.

The floods have trapped many residents, with some taking refuge on rooftops due to shortage of food and supplies. Rescue teams, including the NDRF, SDRF, and the Army, have evacuated 92 people so far.

In Gurdaspur’s Daburi, floodwaters have entered Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, stranding about 400 students and teachers.

District authorities, led by Deputy Commissioner Dalwinder Jeet Singh, confirmed that rescue teams, including NDRF and Army personnel, have been dispatched to evacuate the children using boats. Principal Naresh Kumar said the students are safe and have been moved to the first floor of the school.

The Kartarpur Sahib Corridor and the premises of Sri Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara in Pakistan have also been affected by flooding. In Sangrur district, CM Mann’s native village, Satoj, is among the areas submerged.

A canal breach near the Pathankot-Jammu highway caused water to spill over the road this morning, further complicating access.