NEW DELHI: The devastating floods in Punjab have caused large-scale damage to homes, crops, and daily life. But amid the crisis, the Punjab government has launched “Operation Rahat”, bringing much-needed relief and hope to the affected people. Led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the administration and cabinet ministers have been on the ground, working shoulder-to-shoulder with families battling the flood’s aftermath.
Harjot Singh Bains Leads by Example
Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains has been at the forefront of relief work. Along with expediting government aid, he personally contributed ₹5 lakh from his family to repair nearly 50 homes. His initiatives included arranging fogging and medicines, vaccinating livestock, and keeping his residence open 24/7 for those in need.
Bains holds daily meetings with officials to monitor progress. As per his directives, land inspection reports are to be completed within three days, electricity and water restored within 24 hours, and damaged roads repaired within 48 hours. For three consecutive days, he has been chairing evening review meetings to ensure speedy implementation.
His humanitarian side shone when the Congress party blocked a highway in Shri Anandpur Sahib, halting an ambulance carrying a critical patient to PGI Chandigarh. Bains personally intervened, sending his pilot vehicle ahead to clear the road and save precious time. The video of the incident went viral, drawing praise for Bains while raising questions over Congress’s protest during a crisis.
Ministers Join Relief Mission
Other cabinet ministers have also played an active role under Operation Rahat:
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Harbhajan Singh ETO: Visited flood-hit villages with his wife, Sardarni Suhinder Kaur Ji, who distributed fodder and essentials in Ajnala’s Nissoke village. Singh personally supervised embankment construction along riverbanks.
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Tarunpreet Singh Sodhi: Delivered ration, drinking water, and relief materials during his tours of the affected areas.
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Laljit Singh Bhullar: Present from the very first day, he worked with villagers in Ghullewala to prevent an embankment breach and immediately provided relief supplies.
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Barinder Kumar Goyal: Personally monitored relief distribution to ensure every family received help.
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Balbir Singh (Health Minister): Coordinated the supply of medicines, clean water, and other essentials to flood-stricken families.
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Harpal Singh Cheema (Finance Minister): Supervised preparation of relief kits at the Derba office, working with volunteers to ensure no household was left without support.
Relief on a War Footing
Under Operation Rahat, the government dispatched 16 truckloads of relief material from Patiala to flood-affected districts. Ministers have been constantly present on the ground, not only delivering aid but also restoring embankments, repairing roads, and ensuring medical assistance.
Government Stands With People
The Punjab government has vowed not to leave any family unattended. With ministers personally leading rescue and relief efforts, Operation Rahat has brought immediate assistance and renewed confidence to flood-hit communities.
