Jalandhar: NDRF, divers clear plant blockage at Gidderpindi bridge

Officials said the vegetation blockage was obstructing the natural flow of the river and posed the threat of a breach — a situation that had previously led to flooding of nearby villages. The timely clearance, they added, helped avert a potential hazard at a time when the Sutlej is flowing at peak levels. “The daredevil act of NDRF and divers has safeguarded several villages for now,” Aggarwal said, lauding their relentless efforts.

Notably, the Chitti Bein and Sutlej converge just before Gidderpindi, making this site extremely vulnerable during heavy discharge of water.

Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha MP from Punjab Dr Vikramjit Singh Sahney has committed a total of Rs 5 crore towards Punjab’s flood relief operations, drawing from both his MPLAD funds and personal philanthropy.

Sahney said he will provide financial support to the State Disaster Relief Force for procurement of advanced boats for rescue operations, modern machinery for river desilting, and for strengthening flood protection embankments. He added that his NGO, Sun Foundation, has already spent over Rs 1 crore in relief work — providing motorboats, ambulances, dry ration, medical kits, hygiene supplies and fodder for livestock to severely affected families.

In a major relief for the farming community, he also announced the provision of agricultural inputs such as fertilisers, seeds and pesticides to marginal farmers for wheat sowing. Sahney further demanded a Rs 10,000-crore relief package from the Centre, proposing compensation of Rs 50,000 per acre for crop loss, along with support for daily wagers, livestock owners, and repair of damaged infrastructure.

In addition, Rajya Sabha MP Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal has announced Rs 50 lakh for flood-affected people, while former Union minister Vijay Sampla distributed relief material in the affected areas.

Kataria assures full support to flood-hit families in Hoshiarpur

Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria on Wednesday visited flood-affected areas of Tanda in Hoshiarpur district to take stock of the situation. He inspected the Rarra bridge and assessed the condition of the Dhussi bundh, while also interacting directly with farmers to hear their grievances.

Later, he visited the relief camp set up at Government High School, Miani, where he met displaced families and reviewed ongoing relief work. He also held discussions with representatives of NGOs engaged in rescue and relief efforts and appreciated their services. Deputy Commissioner Aashika Jain gave him a detailed presentation on the district’s flood situation.

Speaking to the media, Kataria assured the affected people that both the Punjab and central governments stand firmly with them in this crisis. He said the state administration is working round-the-clock on relief and rescue operations, while Union ministers and central teams are also visiting flood-hit areas regularly.

The Governor said proposals would be sent to strengthen drainage systems and protect the Dhussi bandh with stone pitching near the Beas bridge to prevent future erosion. He also assured that compensation proposals from the district administration would be forwarded to the Centre for approval and that flood-affected families would also be linked with benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.

Currently, five relief camps are operational in Hoshiarpur district, sheltering nearly 1,000 people.