Baupur Mand, Sept 9 – AAP Rajya Sabha member Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal has been spearheading flood relief efforts in Punjab’s Mand area, where 46 villages remain submerged and around 15,000 acres of farmland are underwater following nearly a month of heavy flooding.
Seechewal and his team spent three days and nights building a massive boat capable of carrying large numbers of animals and heavy machinery to safer locations, preventing extensive losses for farmers. For the past three weeks, he has been delivering essentials such as food, water, and medicines to stranded villagers, personally ferrying families and children, and helping salvage livestock and belongings.
“During floods, when the farmer who feeds the nation longs for food, the sight is unbearable,” Seechewal said. His presence in the region contrasts with brief visits by other officials, including former cricketer and MP Harbhajan Singh on August 18, Punjab’s Water Resources Minister on August 20, and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on August 22. Seechewal has remained on the ground throughout, working from early morning until evening.
Through his efforts, nearly 300 animals have been rescued, and dozens of families have been moved to safety. Farmer Nirmal Singh, whose fields were destroyed, said, “When Baba Ji would arrive every morning in his boat, we felt we were not alone.”
Seechewal’s work has drawn attention for not only providing material aid but also lifting the spirits of flood-affected communities in Mand, demonstrating a sustained commitment to “Sarbat da Bhala” (welfare of all) in the midst of the ongoing crisis.
