Fazilka, Sept. 12 — In the flood-ravaged villages of Fazilka district, residents are slowly beginning to see signs of relief after weeks of submerged fields, damaged homes and washed-out roads with Punjab minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond touring several villages, distributing food, medicines and other essentials, while assuring people of continued support.
According to inputs, the Punjab government, working alongside social organisations and volunteers, has stepped up rehabilitation efforts as families struggle to recover from the devastation.
Twelve villages and 20 panchayats were completely inundated, leaving standing crops destroyed and households crippled. “We lost everything in the fields this season. Only these food packets are keeping our kitchen running,” said Jagtar Singh, a farmer from an affected village who received supplies on Thursday.
“The government is committed to every family’s recovery. Relief will not stop until life returns to normal,” Sond said, urging local youth to join relief efforts.
The minister’s presence was welcomed by many villagers. “It mattered to us that someone came and listened. It gave us hope that our problems are being taken seriously,” said Paramjit Kaur, a mother of three whose home remains waterlogged.
Medical aid has been a lifeline in the relief camps. Officials said eight round-the-clock mobile teams are visiting villages, while 26 more teams are stationed in camps. “We have focused on medicines and safe deliveries,” a district health officer explained. Four women gave birth during the flooding, including one who is still staying at Slemepur relief camp. Both mother and child are reported to be safe.
There were moments of danger as well. A wall collapse left four villagers injured, while a child fell critically ill after slipping into floodwaters. In both cases, timely medical intervention prevented fatalities. An electrocution scare was also narrowly avoided thanks to quick action from locals.
Delivering food and supplies across damaged terrain has been difficult, but officials said nearly 3,800 families received assistance in a single round of distribution. “The packets came when we had nothing left at home. It felt like a lifeline,” said Baldev Singh, another Fazilka resident.
Sond has been praised for hands-on involvement, not only distributing relief material himself but also mobilising community volunteers. His efforts, officials said, added momentum to the administration’s push to reach remote and cut-off areas.
As embankments are reinforced and the floodwaters gradually recede, residents say they remain cautious but hopeful. “We still don’t know how we will rebuild our fields, but at least there is food and medicine for now,” said Gurmeet Kaur, standing outside her partially damaged house.
Government officials said the joint effort of the administration, social groups and villagers themselves has been crucial. “This crisis has shown that Fazilka’s strength lies in cooperation. Together, we can overcome even the toughest challenges,” one official remarked.
