For effective monitoring of rescue and relief operations in flood-affected villages in Punjab, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has directed officials to deploy a gazetted officer each in marooned villages. These officers will directly supervise the operations.

The Chief Minister said that appointing a gazetted officer in each flood-hit village will establish direct communication between the administration and the affected people. This, he added, will allow residents to share their concerns and ensure prompt, appropriate solutions.

The Chief Minister said as of yesterday, around 1,698 villages in 23 districts were inundated, affecting more than 3.8 lakh people in the state.

He said massive relief and rescue operations were already underway in the flood-ravaged areas to minimize hardships. Special focus, he said, is being placed on ensuring timely relief to the affected families.

The Chief Minister also announced a special drive (Girdawari) has been ordered to assess the losses suffered by the people due to the floods.

Officers have been instructed to carry out this exercise in a fair and transparent manner so that affected families are duly compensated. Mann assured the people that his government will ensure compensation for every loss.