CHANDIGARH/FAZILKA, Aug. 27— Punjab Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur and Fazilka MLA Narinder Pal Singh Sawna on Monday toured flood-affected villages Teja Ruhela and Chakk Ruhela, distributing relief supplies and urging residents to move vulnerable family members to safer ground.
Dr. Kaur said heavy rainfall in the hills had forced the release of nearly 1.7 lakh cusecs of water from the Harike Headworks, which is expected to swell water levels in Fazilka through the Sutlej Creek by Tuesday. “I appeal to residents to immediately shift women, children and elderly people to safer places,” she told villagers.
The minister noted that relief camps had been set up across Fazilka district under the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. Teams from the Health, Animal Husbandry, Water Supply and Sanitation, and Revenue Departments have been deployed in the villages. “Special care is being arranged for pregnant women, lactating women and children,” she added.
Sawna assured residents that the state government was providing “every possible help” and said relief material such as ration kits, cattle feed and green fodder was being distributed on priority. He also reminded the public that the District Flood Control Room was active and available at 01638-262153 for assistance.
Earlier in the day, Dr. Kaur reviewed relief operations with district officials at the District Administrative Complex, instructing them to maintain round-the-clock readiness.
Among those present during the visit were Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Dr. Mandeep Kaur, SDM Virpal Kaur, DSP Avinash Chander, and Tehsildar Jaspreet Singh.
