AAP govt convenes special Assembly session from Sept 26-29

Vidhan Sabha Secretary Ram Lok issued a notification stating that the special session will commence at 11 am on September 26.

The government need not seek approval from the Governor before calling the session as it had not got the last session — adjourned sine die on July 15 by Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan — proroged.

Highlighting the scale of destruction, Mann said the floods have submerged over 2,300 villages, affected more than 2 million people, and destroyed crops across five lakh acres of land.

A total of 57 lives have been lost, and around seven lakh people have been rendered homeless, he said.

He noted that 3,200 government schools, 19 colleges, 1,400 clinics and hospitals, and 8,500 km of roads were destroyed, while 2,500 bridges collapsed.

Mann said as per initial estimates, the total damage amounts to approximately Rs 13,800 crore, though the actual figure could be higher.

He emphasised that the decisions taken during this special session will provide substantial relief to flood-affected citizens.

Mann reiterated his government’s “unwavering” commitment to supporting the people of Punjab, especially those impacted by the floods, during this time of severe crisis.

Mann added that the state government is leaving no stone unturned to ensure relief, rehabilitation, and recovery for the affected population.

Minister order addl machinery to restore Sutlej’s course at Sasrali

Cabinet ministers Barinder Kumar Goyal and Revenue Hardeep Singh Mundian Thursday conducted an on-site inspection of silt-cleaning operations in the Sutlej river at Sasrali Colony in Ludhiana and directed the immediate deployment of additional resources, including more special floating excavators and JCBs, to expedite the ongoing works and restore the river’s original flow path.

They said that the Sutlej’s altered course has submerged hundreds of acres of agricultural fields.

Mann, Kejriwal hold meeting with party leaders

CM Mann and AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday held a video conference meeting with the state party leaders to further strengthen ongoing efforts for the rehabilitation of flood-affected people.

The agenda of the meeting was to have a detailed discussion on the fund-raising campaign ‘Mission Chardikala,’ launched by the state government. During the meeting, both Kejriwal and Mann appealed to all AAP workers and leaders to stand firmly with the people of Punjab in this difficult time and contribute generously to support the cause, as per a party statement. They also urged all Punjabis, especially Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), to come forward and contribute towards helping Punjab get back on its feet.

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