How do we exit the cycle of floods and deaths?
Mumbai: The cycles of extreme climate, alternating between floods and drought, is getting worse by the year, and there are no answers. This year, more than half the country is reeling from floods. Punjab is facing its worst deluge since 1988. Haryana, Rajasthan, and the hill states of Himachal and Uttarakhand have seen cloudbursts, and entire towns being wiped out. In neighbouring Pakistan, the north-west has suffered far worse, with millions displaced and over a 1,000 lives lost. It is not a pretty picture. Across Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and Haryana, the combined death toll has reached 500 as of September 4, 2025. Himachal is the worst with 355 deaths. In the northeast, relentless rains in June have claimed 30 lives. Every year the location and toll numbers change. Otherwise, the destruction of lives, crops and human habitation continues with sickening repetition. Somehow our planners and government departments have never really digested the old adage ofgeographer Gilbert F. White, who noted in 1942, Floods are acts of God, but flood losses are largely acts of man. Upstream water Punjab is facing its worst floods since 1988 with nearly 2,000 villages submerged, 4 lakh acres of farm lands devastated and nearly 3.9 lakh people across 9 districts having to migrate to relief spots. Environmental platform Mongabay has documented the extent and reasons for the damage. Punjabs affected villages mainly lie along the River Ravi and lower reaches of the Beas and Sutlej. The waters swelled to unmanageable proportions due to incessant rains in upstream areas in Himachal, which has received as much as 46% above-normal rainfall till 8 September. The situation worsened with the lower catchment areas in Punjab too receiving 55% excess rain. Environmental activists point to the shoddy management of dam waters. The excess release of water at the wrong time, is one of the principal problems. While the Centre controls the Bhakra-Beas Management Board (BBMB) that manages Bhakra and Pong dams, the Punjab government manages the Ranjit Sagar dam on the River Ravi. In the early part of August, the release of water from these dams was kept low despite heavy rainfall in the catchment areas. This was a huge mistake. Thereafter, Himanshu Thakkar, the coordinator of South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers and People (SANDRP), said: They had to eventually release heavy quantities of water from August 26 onwards when Punjab was already facing floods due to local rainfall. It ultimately led to the submergence of large parts of Gurdaspur and Pathankot districts. There is rightful fury at the dam management organistions. Citizens groups have filed petitions before the National Green Tribunal (NGT), while the Himachal government has filed an F.I.R. against the dam authority accusing it of releasing excess water without warning. Glacial outbursts Significantly, the floods that ravaged the Harsil region of Uttarakhand on 5 August, wiped out riverside towns Dharali and Sukhi Top, and have claimed several lives, have a different explanation. Despite reports of cloudbursts, the Indian Meteorological Department recorded minimal rainfall. Harsil recorded only 6.5 mm of rain on the day of the disaster, while Bhatwari received just 11.5 mm over 24 hours. This is far short of what is defined as a cloudburst, which implies a massive precipitation of 100 mm or more of rainfall over 24 hours over a localized area. This has led some experts to venture a hypothesis that it was not a cloudburst, but rather a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) or a glacier collapse in the upper reaches that triggered the flash floods. What these experts are saying is that climate change is accelerating glacial retreat, leading to the formation and expansion of glacial lakes that can break their bunds at any time. It is also time that the state government and commercial groups be made accountable for having slaughtered trees, expanded roads and highways in the ecologically sensitive Himalayan zones. It has changed the course of rivers like the River Kheer Ganga. The destruction caused by floods in Pakistan needs intensive study too. As a country that contributes barely 1% towards global climate change, it has suffered widespread damage. Speaking to Dialogue Earth, climate scientist Mohammad Ehsan Leghari said the floods were triggered with 200 to 300 mm of rainfall in a short spell, along with glacial melts, and northern heatwaves in June. While these natural disasters came together, he pointed to the human-made disasters too -- the deforestation, and urbanization and human encroachments blocking the natural flows. Similarly, the Ravi Urban Development Authority s paving of floodplains along the River Ravi in Punjab turned absorbent areas into concrete, inviting devastation by turning them into river paths. The bigger tragedy is there is no learning or rolling back mistakes of the past. Extreme and cyclical changes of climate are not being factored in. The El Nino effect - warming of central and equatorial Indian and Pacific Ocean waters that cause millions of cusecs of rain being dumped in as far off places as Europe, the Horn of Africa, and Bali this year -- has not been reversed. In Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand, despite the tragedy that unfoleded recently in the states Harsil sector, there is no rethink on devastating projects in the valley. A Rs 6,200-crore Rispana -- Bindal Elevated Corridor, two flyovers of over 26 kilometers, are in the pipeline. The plan includes erecting support columns in the middle of the beds of Rivers Rispana and Bindal that will choke the natural flow of water and create flooding along the banks of the rivers. Bharti Jain, architect and town planner, has pointed out that as far back as 2007 the flyovers were to be implemented after feasibility studies and Environmental Impact Assessment is done. However, the Doon authorities are brazenly implementing these projects without a thought for on the citys environment, Ms Bharti told this writer.
Punjab floods deal Rs 103.8 crore blow to power infrastructure says PSPCL
Punjab floods have dealt a blow to the state`s power infrastructure, with the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited putting the losses at nearly Rs 102.58 crore after preliminary assessment. UBDC hydel power project in Pathankot has been hit the most, suffering damage The floods caused unprecedented damage with transformers, poles, and lines.
Punjab to geo-fence 850 water bodies, launch digital elevation mapping after devastating floods
CHANDIGARH: After devastating floods from the swollen Ravi, Beas and Sutlej rivers, along with seasonal rivulets that submerged villages and breached embankments across Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir, the Punjab government has decided to geo-fence all 850 major water bodies in the state, alongside digital elevation modelling of rivers and canals to improve future flood management. This time, it was the Ravi river that unleashed the greatest fury, recording its highest-ever water flow of 14.11 lakh cusecs and causing 42 breaches in its embankments. According to sources in the water resources department, the process of notifying major rivers and water bodies began after the 2023 floods, and nearly all 850 have now been notified. With geo-fencing, any construction within 150 metres of these notified drains will require a no-objection certificate from the department. To strengthen planning, KML files of these drains will also be integrated with the town and country planning department, helping it identify no-construction zones. The department has also procured three drones to assist in digital elevation modelling of rivers and canals through aerial surveys, which will provide detailed data on terrain and topography. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed with the Survey of India to carry out this project within a year. Officials said the modelling will be critical for future river management and planning. A senior officer noted that, for the first time, jumbo bags measuring 3.25 feet were used to plug breaches during the floods. Across the Ravi, Beas and Sutlej rivers, along with canals, there were around 45 breaches42 of them in the Ravi alone. The recent floods hit the border districts of Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur and Fazilka the hardest, with water gushing from the Ranjit Sagar Dam on the Ravi river. On August 25, the dams water level touched its maximum permissible height of 527.91 metres, rising further to 528.008 metres the next day before the gates were opened. The dam saw an inflow of 2.25 lakh cusecs and an outflow of 2.15 lakh cusecs. But during the intervening night of August 2627, the discharge spiked to 14.11 lakh cusecs at Dharamkot, exceeding the safe gauge level by 2.5 feet. At the Madhopur barrage downstream, water flow touched 2.22 lakh cusecs, far above the Ravis safe carrying capacity. The pressure caused two gates of the barrage to break. The situation worsened when the swollen Ujh river, carrying 2.06 lakh cusecs, joined the Ravi in Gurdaspur, amplifying the flood surge. The 14.11 lakh cusecs was the highest ever discharge recorded in the Ravi, surpassing the previous peak of 11.2 lakh cusecs in 1988. The rivers safe carrying capacity is 9.7 lakh cusecs, but this time it received 4.41 lakh cusecs in excess. In total, over 11.9 lakh cusecs of unregulated water flowed in from smaller channels. The state government has since written to the IMD director general, urging stronger weather forecasting systems for dam catchment areas, citing inaccurate predictions during the floods. Officials defended the release from Ranjit Sagar Dam, stressing that dam safety was of utmost importance given the unprecedented inflows. In contrast, the Bhakra Nangal and Pong dams managed by the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) released water in a controlled manner. At Pong, inflows peaked at 2.59 lakh cusecs on August 26, but outflow was capped at 85,000 cusecs by storing water up to four feet above the permissible level of 1,390 feet. The Beas embankments held firm despite historic inflows of 11.70 billion cubic metres, the highest ever recorded. At Bhakra, the reservoir did not touch its maximum level, and the Sutlej river largely stayed within its carrying limits, except for minor erosion.
CHANDIGARH: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led government and the opposition parties including the Congress and the Shiromani Akali Dal have termed the Rs 1,600 crore flood relief package announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Gurdaspur on Tuesday as a cruel joke and a drop in the ocean. The farmers unions have also pointed out the inadequacy of the package announced. The BJP, on the other hand, accused the state government of presenting irrational data to secure central aid. Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema called the flood-relief package announced by Modi as miserably meagre. Cheema said that cabinet minister Hardeep Singh Mundian, who attended the meeting chaired by Prime Minister Modi to review the flood situation in Gurdaspur, had openly told the PM that the amount announced is meagre and demanded a Rs 20,000 crore interim relief. However, Cheema added, Prime Minister reacted saying, kya aapko Hindi samajh nahin aati. Aapko samajh nahin aata, ke Rs 1,600 crore de diya (Do you not understand Hindi? Do you not understand that Rs 1,600 crore has been given). Thus, the PM insulted our mother tongue Punjabi, people of Punjab and Punjabiyat, he charged. He also claimed that the PM did not even bother to hold the hands of people who lost their kin to the floods during his visit. The Congress party in the state accused the state government of misusing Rs 12,000 crore allocated under the State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF). Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring said that both the Centre and the state government have badly let down the people of Punjab. He said that while the Chief Minister was indisposed and was confined to a hospital bed, the rest of the government machinery simply vanished at the time of the crisis. They failed the people before, during and after the crisis, he added. Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa said that the Rs 1600 crore that Prime Minister Modi announced as relief was mere 8 percent of the total estimated loss faced by Punjab due to the floods. Harinder Singh Lakhowal, president of Bharatiya Kisan Union (Lakhowal Group) said the Centre should provide relief to farmers in this difficult time by waiving their loans and implementing the crop insurance scheme on all crops. Sarwan Singh Pandher of the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha said the union gvenrments step-motherly treatment towards the state was witnessed once again, as the relief package announced by the PM was much less than expected. We had demanded Rs 70,000 per acre and relief for farm labourers. It is not clear now as to how the funds would be used, he said. On the other hand, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Punjab chief Sunil Jakhar accused the state government of presenting irrational data to secure central aid. Despite this, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced Rs 1,600 crore as immediate relief for the state and assured further assistance upon receiving additional proposals. Additional support has been announced for schools, national highways, and damaged houses under various schemes. The next installment of the Pradhan Mantri Samman Nidhi Yojana and the second SDRF tranche will also be released in advance. He added that the state can undertake rural development under MNREGA if it has the will and the intention, he said. Jakhar further noted that while the Chief Secretary claimed damages to the tune of Rs 13,289 crore, cabinet minister Hardeep Singh Mundian pegged the figure at Rs 20,000 crore. This arbitrary presentation of figures reflects the AAP governments irresponsible approach. Challenging Chief Minister Bhagwant Manns claim that the central government owes Punjab Rs 60,000 crore, Jakhar likened it to Kejriwals fantasy of generating Rs 60,000 crore from sand and liquor revenue, calling it absolutely a bogus claim. He questioned Punjabs Finance Minister that if state government really believes it then why did he not raise this issue during the GST Council meeting on September 3. Jakhar said that the Rs 12,000 crore of SDRF received from centre has not been utilised for flood mitigation efforts but has been squandered on publicity stunts and other purposes . By citing regulations, the government is now trying to cover up its mismanagement. He recalled that in 2023, Mann announced Rs 15,000 per acre as compensation, but only Rs 6,800 was disbursed which it received from central government . CM must now clarify the source of the promised Rs 20,000 per acre compensation. Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria who flew back to Chandigarh from Pathankot on Wednesday morning met the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann at the Fortis hospital in Mohali to inquire about his health and said that he had conducted an aerial survey of the flood situation. `` Though the water level has started receding, the extent of damage to houses and crops is enormous. More aid will be coming 100 percent in the coming days, he assured.
PM Modi surveys flood-hit Punjab, Himachal amid bomb threat at medical college
Chandigarh, Sept 9: Prime Minister Narendra Modi began a crucial visit to flood-affected regions of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh today to assess the widespread damage caused by recent floods. Arriving at Pathankot Airbase from Delhi, he proceeded by helicopter to conduct an aerial survey of the hardest-hit areas in Himachal Pradesh, including Kullu, Mandi, [] The post PM Modi surveys flood-hit Punjab, Himachal amid bomb threat at medical college appeared first on Northlines .
CHANDIGARH: The AAP-led Punjab Government is set to introduce a new policy allowing farmers to remove sand from flood-hit fields, and to sell extracted sand for additional income. Punjab Incharge of AAP Manish Sisodia, today announced that the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government is set to bring major relief for farmers affected by the recent floods. The state government will soon announce a policy to allow farmers to freely remove sand deposited in their fields due to the floods, ensuring agricultural activities can resume without delay. Sisodia said, The floods have destroyed crops, damaged homes, and claimed livestock. But the biggest concern of our farmers right now is the sand left behind in their fields, which could make future farming impossible. We have taken their feedback seriously. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has already discussed this issue with officials and assured that a clear policy will be announced in the next few days to allow farmers to remove the sand from their fields without any bureaucratic hurdles. He added that the decision will not only help farmers prepare their land for the next sowing season but also provide them with an opportunity to sell the sand if it can be used for construction purposes. AAP, BJP trade charges over cause of Punjab floods as Congress blames both for collective failure This will be a double relief, the land will be cleared for crops, and farmers can also earn some income from selling the sand, Sisodia said. He claimed that the Mann government has been working round-the-clock to support people affected by the floods. All our ministers, MLAs, and volunteers have been on the ground providing relief. I personally visited many districts and villages, met with farmers, understood their problems, and assured them that the government stands firmly with them, he said. Sisodia pointed out that while Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and other senior leaders spoke to the Chief Minister, no concrete financial assistance has been announced yet. Punjabs rightful dues of over Rs 60,000 crore, including Rs 58,000 crore of GST, are pending with the Centre. If this amount had been released earlier, relief and rehabilitation work could have progressed much faster. I urge the Prime Minister to release Punjabs dues before his visit on September 9 , he said. Punjab Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian said that 504 cattle or buffaloes, 73 sheep and goats and 160 pigs have perished across 14 districts. These districts include Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Kapurthala, Barnala, Bathinda, Hoshiarpur, Tarn Taran, Patiala, Jalandhar, Rupnagar and Moga. Additionally, 18,304 poultry birds died in Gurdaspur, Rupnagar and Fazilka due to the collapse of poultry sheds. He further said that approximately 2.52 lakhs animals and 5,88,685 poultry birds were affected by the floods. Khudian added that 481 teams have been deployed to provide treatment and arrange medicines for affected livestock. Till now, 22,534 animals have been provided treatment. He further said that the department has distributed relief supplies, including over 12,170 quintals of feed and 5090.35 quintals of green fodder, dry fodder and silage, to support livestock in flood-affected districts, in collaboration with the district administration and social organisations. Uromin licks are also being supplied to the animals to boost their immune system. Principal Secretary Animal Husbandry Rahul Bhandari said that the department has already released a total of Rs 31.50 lakh for the treatment of animals affected by the floods. Meanwhile Rajya Sabha Member, Sanjay Singh and Punjab Panchayat Minister, Tarunpreet Singh Sond visited flood-affected border villages of Fazilka district on September 7. Singh said that Punjab has been battling floods for nearly a month, yet the Centre continues to wait for reports instead of providing immediate relief. He expressed hope that during his visit to Punjab on September 9, the Prime Minister will announce a substantial relief package for the affected areas. He said that even though the Union Agriculture Minister had earlier visited Punjab, no relief has been provided so far. While Sond stated that relief operations in the district are being carried out with full speed. He added that as water levels begin to recede, the administration is gearing up for the next set of challenges. These include the risk of waterborne diseases and assessment of damages. He emphasised that medical teams, veterinary units, and district administration officials are actively working in the affected villages to ensure that every person in need receives relief supplies.
Beas river records highest-ever inflow; BBMB ensures controlled release of Bhakra Dam in Punjab
CHANDIGARH: The Beas river has recorded its highest-ever inflow of water this year, touching 11.70 billion cubic meters (BCM) between July 1 and September 5. Despite the unprecedented inflow, the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) maintained a controlled release of not more than one lakh cusecs. BBMB chairman Manoj Tripathi said this years inflow was 20% higher than in 2023, when Beas received 9.52 BCM, and well above the previous highs of 7.94 BCM in 1988 and 5 BCM in 2019. This years inflow is unprecedented. Never before has the Beas carried such volumes, he said. At the Bhakra Dam, the reservoir recorded an inflow of 9.11 BCM. Tripathi noted that the highest inflow had been in 1988 at 9.52 BCM, followed by 8.59 BCM in 2019. The inflow this year is almost equivalent to those years, he added. Importantly, the water level has not crossed the maximum permissible mark of 1,680 feet. In 1988, the level had gone above 1,685 feet, but this year it is around 1,679 feet, Tripathi said. He explained that a rule curve for water regulation was introduced last year after the 2023 floods, in consultation with the Central Water Commission (CWC). The rule curve prescribes how much water should be stored at a given date, based on historical inflows and IMD data. We are strictly adhering to it, he said. Referring to the Pong Dam, Tripathi said that despite receiving the maximum inflow this year, the release was kept at 1.51 lakh cusecs, lower than in 2023. Even though the inflows were above one lakh cusecs for several days, we avoided sudden discharges of 22.5 lakh cusecs. The releases have been gradual, controlled, and done with the consent of all partner states, strictly following the rule curve, he explained. He also clarified that water release decisions are not arbitrary but are taken by a technical committee comprising BBMB members, chief engineers of partner states, and the CWC. Yesterday, 85,000 cusecs were released from Bhakra, and today, after inputs from Ludhiana, the outflow was reduced to 75,000 cusecs, Tripathi said. Sources said the Ludhiana deputy commissioner had sent an SOS to BBMB after reports that embankments along the Sutlej were facing breaches. The Ludhiana administration has since sounded an alert, with embankments in the eastern part of the district under heavy pressure due to the strong river flow. Villages including Sasrali, Boont, Rawat, Hawas, Seera, Boothgarh, Mangli Tanda, Dheri, Khawajke, Khassi Khurd, Mangli Kadar, Mattewara, Mangat, and Meharban are at risk of flooding if the embankment weakens further. Meanwhile, the Pong Dam water level stood at 1,394.71 feet, with inflows reducing to 1,05,950 cusecs and outflows at 99,763 cusecs. The flood situation in Punjab remains grim, with the death toll rising to 43. As many as 1,948 villages are inundated, impacting 3.84 lakh people. Of these, 21,929 have been evacuated, while crops on 1.72 lakh hectares (4.32 lakh acres) have been destroyed. According to official figures, the highest casualties have been reported from Hoshiarpur (7), Pathankot (6), Barnala and Amritsar (5 each), and Ludhiana and Bathinda (4 each). Three persons are missing in Pathankot. Punjab is facing one of its worst flood disasters in decades, caused by overflowing riversSutlej, Beas, Ravi, and Ghaggaralong with torrential rains in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir.
Floods damage 110 km of Indo-Pak border fence; 90 BSF posts inundated in Punjab, Jammu
CHANDIGARH: Around 110 km of the fence near zero line on the Indo-Pak international border has been damaged and about 90 posts of Border Security Force (BSF) have been inundated besides border pillars due to floods in the forward areas of Punjab and Jammu, completely transforming the landscape. Sources said that out of the 100 km fence which has been damaged by the floods that have wreaked havoc, about 80 km of the fence on the international border is in Punjab and approximately 30 km of it is in Jammu area. The fence at these places has been submerged, uprooted or tilted. Sources further said that not only the fence on the international border has been damaged, but also around 65 posts of the Border Security Force have been inundated in Punjab sector as breaches have been reported in the bundhs across Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Pathankot, Taran Taran, Ferozepur and Fazilka districts along the international border, and approximately 20 posts in Jammu sector. In Shahzada village of Amritsar district, people have taken shelter inside a BSF post at Kamalpur after soldiers vacated it due to rising waters. The BSF post near the Kartarpur Corridor is also inundated as BSF personnel have temporarily shifted to the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Dera Baba Nanak. The Ravi river has flooded both sides of the zero line and also the Pakistan Rangers have had to abandon their forward posts, said an official. Several forward defence points (FDPs) or high-ground located observation posts of the force have also been impacted. The BSF has now begun an exercise in these two sectors to restore the fence and the border outposts (BOPs) so that troops can occupy them again. Our personnel are on high alert, especially in those areas where the fencing is completely submerged, said a senior BSF official. Sources added that due to the submergence of the border fencing, the BSF has deployed its water wing, which is equipped with motorboats and surveillance drones to secure the international border. Large searchlights are being used besides electronic monitoring. The BSF will be back on their points soon as the water is receding, said an official. The Sutluj river waters have also inundated the joint check post at Hussainiwala, due to which the Beating the Retreat ceremony has been indefinitely cancelled. The road leading to the check post has been severely damaged at various places. In the last ten days, the BSF has thwarted several attempts by cross-border drug smugglers to take advantage of the flood situation and has seized a huge quantity of heroin. A man belonging to Hazarasingh Wala was also captured as he was trying to swim across to Pakistan near the Pachharian outpost. Despite their own border outposts being inundated, the BSF troopers are reaching out to the affected people in this hour of distress and are carrying out rescue operations in flood-hit border villages. The rescue teams, equipped with speedboats, have been deployed for the rescue. A few days back, a BSF jawan drowned in floodwaters in Jammu. Punjab floods: Army evacuates pregnant woman, elderly patient from rain-affected regions
The recent devastation witnessed on JammuSrinagar National Highway (NH-44) especially between Udhampur and Banihal, and on the same highway between Jammu and Pathankot after a prolonged spell of heavy rains has raised many serious questions about the quality of works accomplished to raise these highways. As it could be seen that rainfall of few days [] The post Big Mistake In Planning Phase appeared first on Northlines .
Union Minister Chouhan inspects flood damage in Punjab, assures aid
CHANDIGARH: Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan today visited flood-hit areas in Amritsar and Gurdaspur districts of Punjab, where he interacted with people, including farmers affected by the deluge. After riding a tractor, Chouhan entered an inundated field in Gurdaspur and inspected the paddy crop damaged by the floodwater. Earlier in Amritsar, he stated that two central teams are also visiting the state to assess the situation arising out of floods and will submit a report to the Centre. Chouhan visited one of the worst-affected villages of Ghonewal in Amritsar district and interacted with flood-hit residents. He would also visit Dharamkot Randhawa and Behrampur villages in Gurdaspur district. During his interactions with farmers, he took stock of the situation. A farmer showed him the extensive damage caused to the crop. Chouhan even held the damaged crop, which had remained submerged. He then waded through more than knee-deep water in the inundated field and checked the paddy crop. Loss is visible. The crop is completely damaged, fields are inundated, he said. He added that the silt brought by the Ravi River has been deposited in fields, and there will be a crisis for the next crop. Chouhan further said the central government would do everything for farmers and people. Punjab floods: Army evacuates pregnant woman, elderly patient from rain-affected regions He was accompanied by Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu, Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar and national general secretary Tarun Chugh. He assured full support from the Union government in providing necessary assistance to the state for speedy relief and rehabilitation measures. Talking to the media, Chouhan said, Punjabis have always been at the forefront when it comes to serving the country and humanity. But today, Punjab is facing a difficult time due to floods and several villages are impacted, disrupting normal life, fields are inundated. The Centre fully stands with the people of Punjab in this difficult hour. I have been sent to Punjab by the Prime Minister. We will take stock of the situation, talk to the people, he added. Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria submitted a detailed report on the situation in the five border districts of Amritsar, Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Tarn Taran and Ferozepur. Kataria met Chouhan soon after he landed at Sri Guru Ram Das Jee International Airport in Amritsar and apprised him of the extensive damage to life, property, crops and infrastructure after visiting all five flood-affected districts from September 1 to 4. He also briefed Chouhan about the relief and rehabilitation measures taken by the state government, Army and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). Punjab Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian and MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal today met Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in Amritsar and submitted a memorandum, seeking 2,000 crore as financial assistance in the first phase for the losses caused by floods in the Ajnala Assembly constituency. The AAP government has demanded the release of 60,000 crore in pending dues of the state from the Centre.
Himachal govt launches massive rescue operation to evacuate Manimahesh pilgrims
CHANDIGARH: The Himachal Pradesh Government has launched a massive rescue operation to evacuate the stranded pilgrims of Manimahesh Yatra from Chamba. While 35 ailing and elderly pilgrims were safely airlifted by helicopter, another 500 devotees were sent by vehicles from Bharmour to Chamba. The Chamba district administration launched the operation to safely evacuate devotees stranded during the Manimahesh Yatra. The authorities on Thursday began transporting nearly 500 devotees from Bharmour to Chamba by vehicles. At certain stretches, where roads have been damaged, adequate security personnel were deployed for their assistance and to ensure their safety. In addition, free food, drinking water, transport and other essential facilities have been arranged en-route to prevent any inconvenience to them. A state government spokesperson said that despite adverse weather conditions, 35 ailing and elderly devotees were safely airlifted to Chamba by a small helicopter, which completed seven sorties during the day. The MI-17 helicopter of Air Force has also been stationed at Pathankot to meet any exigency. He further stated that Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi has been personally supervising the rescue operation on the ground for the past several days. Travelling on foot, he reached Bharmour from Chamba and has been tirelessly engaged in ensuring the safety of the devotees. He said that the state government was committed to safeguard the lives and property of its people as well as the visiting pilgrims and tourists from several parts.
CHANDIGARH : A fresh spell of heavy rains compounded the flood situation in Punjab with the death toll rising to 37 on Wednesday, while crops on 1.75 lakh hectares of land in 23 districts got damaged by the worst deluge in the state since 1988. Rescue and relief operations are underway on a war footing as help poured in from several quarters for over 3.55 lakh people in 1,655 villages, desperately looking for succour. Following heavy rains, an alert has been sounded in Rupnagar and Patiala districts, urging people to remain vigilant, while all schools, colleges and universities have been closed till September 7. With rains refusing to relent in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, the already swollen Sutlej, Beas and Ravi rivers originating in the Himalayas and seasonal rivulets inundated towns, villages and agricultural lands, upending normal life. The Punjab government released Rs 71 crore as an immediate relief and rehabilitation measure, with the AAP dispensation reiterating that it was committed to compensating people for their losses. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will visit the flood-hit areas in Punjab on Thursday to review the extent of crop damage. AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal, along with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, will also assess the flood damage on the same day. He will take stock of the relief work being carried out in the state and interact with the affected people, said the party. Rains in Punjab have aggravated the flood situation. The water level in the Bhakra dam at 6 am was 1,677.84 feet, against its maximum capacity of 1,680 feet. The inflow in the dam was 86,822 cusecs while the outflow was 65,042 cusecs. Punjab declared disaster-hit as floods submerge 3.75 lakh acres; 30 dead, 3.55 lakh affected In view of heavy rains in Himachal Pradesh, the water discharge from the dam was being increased from 65,000 cusecs to 75,000 cusecs, officials said and warned that Nangal's villages may be inundated. Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian said the state is reeling under one of the worst floods in recent decades, with widespread crop devastation reported across 1,75,216 hectares of farmland. Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Mansa, Ferozepur and Fazilka are among the worst-hit districts, accounting for the bulk of the agricultural losses, he said. The minister said that 37 lives have been lost across 12 districts, while three persons remain missing in Pathankot. The highest fatalities have been reported in Hoshiarpur, where seven lives have been lost, followed by six in Pathankot, five in Barnala, four each in Amritsar and Ludhiana, three each in Bathinda and Mansa, and one each in Gurdaspur, Patiala, Rupnagar, SAS Nagar and Sangrur. The flood-related data is from August 1 to September 3. Gurdaspur alone suffered crop damage over 40,169 hectares, followed by Mansa 24,967 hectares, Amritsar 23,000 hectares, Fazilka 17,786 hectares, Ferozepur 17,620 hectares, and Kapurthala 14,934 hectares, among others. The Rupnagar district administration has asked people living near the Sutlej river to stay on alert in the wake of an increase in the discharge of water from the Bhakra dam. Punjab Cabinet Minister Harjot Bains appealed to Sri Anandpur Sahib residents living on riverbanks and low-lying areas to shift to safer places or relief camps. He visited over two dozen flood-affected villages and personally oversaw the evacuation of families stranded along the Sutlej river. Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria visited the flood-ravaged areas in Pathankot district, while AAP leader Manish Sisodia visited the flood-hit areas in Tarn Taran district. AAP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha announced providing Rs 3.25 crore from his Local Area Development Scheme fund for relief work. MP Sandeep Pathak visited flood-hit villages in Ferozepur district and released Rs 5 crore from the MPLADS funds for the affected villages in the border district. Rajya Sabha MP Balbir Singh Seechewal also announced a grant of Rs 50 lakh from his discretionary funds to support the affected people. Relief and rescue operations by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Army, Border Security Force, Punjab Police and district authorities are underway in the affected areas, officials said. Meanwhile, the Patiala district administration issued an alert for villages near the Ghaggar river in the Rajpura sub-division in the wake of heavy rains in the catchment areas. According to officials, the water level of the Tangri river has risen close to the danger mark in Ambala and is expected to rise in Patiala following heavy rains in Ambala and Kala Amb.
Punjab Floods Live Updates: Over 1,400 Villages Submerged, Rescue Operations Underway
Punjab Floods Live Updates: Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Fazilka, Jalandhar and Rupnagar (Ropar) are the worst-hit districts.
Punjab Battles Worst Floods Since 1988: Impact To Death TollHere's What We Know So Far
Punjab Floods: Over 1,400 villages have submerged and the death toll has risen to 30 confirmed fatalities, with the highest number in Pathankot.
PM Modi calls Punjab CM Mann, assures all possible help over flood situation
CHANDIGARH: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday spoke to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to discuss the flood situation in the State and assured all possible assistance from the Centre. The conversation took place shortly after Prime Minister Modi landed in New Delhi following his visit to China. According to official sources, the Prime Minister expressed concern over the flood damage and reiterated the Union Governments commitment to extend all necessary support to Punjab. On Sunday, Mann had written to PM Modi, urging him to release Rs 60,000 crore in funds which, he claimed, are pending with the Union Government. In his letter, the Chief Minister said that Punjab is witnessing one of the worst flood disasters in decades, impacting approximately 1,300 villages and affecting lakhs of residents. He said that heavy monsoon rainfall, coupled with the release of water from dams, has led to extensive flooding across seven districts, Gurdaspur, Kapurthala, Amritsar, Pathankot, Ferozepur, Fazilka, and Hoshiarpur. Mann expressed concern that the situation remains volatile and could deteriorate further in the coming days. He also noted that nearly three lakh acres of agricultural land, primarily paddy fields are submerged under floodwaters, causing significant crop losses just weeks ahead of the harvest. Additionally, he reported widespread loss of livestock, which has severely affected rural households dependent on dairy and animal husbandry for their livelihoods. Meanwhile, senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi urged both the Central and State governments to intensify and expedite relief and rescue operations. Given the scale of devastation, the government must work in mission mode. Farmers, labourers, cattle rearers, and common citizens should receive immediate and effective assistance, he said. The loss of lives and widespread destruction due to the severe floods in Punjab is extremely tragic and painful. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the safety of all those stranded, Gandhi said. Army aviation wing flies for over 250 hours; rescues 5,000 civilians, 300 paramilitary personnel from flood-affected states
Punjab recorded 74% excess, Haryana received 32% more than normal rain in August
CHANDIGARH: In August, Punjab received 253.7 mm of rain, the highest the state has witnessed in the past 25 years, while Haryana recorded 194.5 mm of rain against an average of 147.7 mm for the month. Punjab received deficient rainfall multiple times in the past couple of decades, but this year it recorded the highest rainfall figures for August in the last 25 years, the Met department stated. Punjab recorded 253.7 mm rainfall in August, which was 74 per cent more than the months normal of 146.2 mm. The neighbouring Haryana received 194.5 mm of rain in August against an average of 147.7 mm for the month, which was 32 per cent in excess. Both states received excess rain in August only five times in the past 25 years, including this year. Heavy rains lash several parts of Punjab, Haryana 18 out of the total 23 districts in Punjab recorded excess rain, while a few districts like Patiala and Fatehgarh Sahib recorded deficient rainfall. Meanwhile, Gurdaspur recorded 577.5 mm rainfall, 181 per cent more than normal of 205.3 mm; Pathankot received 944.2 mm of rain in August which was 152 per cent in excess than the normal of 375.2 mm; while Tarn Taran recorded 208 mm of rain against the normal of 87.1 per cent in August, which was 139 per cent in excess; Ferozepur received 170.6 mm of rain against a normal of 74.5 mm, which was 129 per cent in excess; Fazilka recorded 146.8 mm of rain as against 68.1 mm, a rise of 115 per cent; Hoshiarpur received 360.6 mm of rain in August, 74 per cent in excess of the normal figures of 207.6 mm; and Amritsar received 226.8 mm of rain in August against a normal of 162.4 mm, which was 40 per cent more. 18 out of the 22 districts in Haryana recorded excess rain in the month of August while four districts including Bhiwani and Ambala, recorded deficient rain. In Haryana excess rainfall was recorded in Fatehabad (252 per cent), Hisar (68 per cent), Faridabad (31 per cent) and Gurugram (24 per cent). Meanwhile Chandigarh (Union Territory), the common capital of Punjab and Haryana, recorded 308.5 mm rainfall in August as against the normal of 248.8 mm which was only 8 per cent more.
Himachal records highest rainfall for August in 15 years; overnight landslides kill three
CHANDIGARH: Himachal Pradesh witnessed over 440 mm of rainfall in August, a staggering 72% above the normal of 256.8 mm, the highest recorded in the past fifteen years. The previous highest August rainfall was 322.5 mm in 2019, but this year saw an excess of 120 mm compared to that. Widespread heavy rain has caused landslides across the hill state, killing three people overnight, while the water level at Pong Dam has crossed its maximum capacity. A red alert has been issued in four districts, and an orange warning is in place for the rest of the state. The state has recorded excess rainfall ranging from 26% to 162% across different regions. Lahaul and Spiti saw 26% more rain, Kangra 29%, Chamba 104%, Solan 118%, Una 121%, Shimla 126%, and Kullu the highest at 162%. Last week alone, Himachal received 165.6 mm of rainfall against the normal 42.4 mm, a deviation of 291%. So far this monsoon, the state has recorded 826.8 mm of rainfall compared to the normal 613.8 mm, amounting to a 35% surplus. The seasonal normal for the entire monsoon period is 734.4 mm. 10 pilgrims dead, eight missing, 6,000 devotees evacuated amid Manimahesh Yatra disaster Landslides triggered by heavy rains led to three deaths in Shimla district. In one incident, 35-year-old Virender Kumar and his 10-year-old daughter were killed after their house was struck by a landslide in Mohal Jot village, Junga tehsil. His wife survived as she was outside at the time. Several cattle were also killed. In another incident, an elderly woman, Kalavati, was buried under debris after a landslide hit her house in Chol village, Kotkhai area. In Rohru subdivision, four families were evacuated after a landslide threatened three homes and buried two cowsheds, trapping livestock. The Manimahesh Yatra, which has claimed 16 lives this season, has been suspended due to the inclement weather. The traditional royal bath was cancelled, and rituals were instead conducted at 84 local temples. Road connectivity across the region has been severely disrupted. The KiratpurManali National Highway has been blocked at several locations between Mandi and Aut due to fresh landslides. Tourists, buses, and trucks are stranded on both sides. The MandiPathankot Highway is also closed near Lavandi Bridge between Mandi and Jogindernagar. The SansariKillarThirotTandi road in LahaulSpiti remains blocked due to rockfall at Nili Dhank. Three pilgrims die during Manimahesh Yatra; heavy rain forces closure of schools, roads in Himachal Authorities in Mandi and LahaulSpiti have issued advisories urging residents to avoid non-essential travel. Emergency services and police have been deployed to manage traffic and assist stranded commuters. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Una, Sirmaur, Bilaspur, and Solan, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next few hours. An orange alert has been issued for Shimla and surrounding areas. As of this morning, the water level at Pong Dam stood at 1,390.52 feet, slightly above its maximum capacity of 1,390 feet. The inflow was recorded at 79,790 cusecs, while the outflow was 1,09,920 cusecs. Of this, 17,079 cusecs passed through turbines and 92,841 cusecs through the spillway. Six machines remain operational at the powerhouse. 380 tourists evacuated from Sissu, Manimahesh Yatris stranded in Chamba as Himachal reels under heavy rains
Heavy rains lash several parts of Punjab, Haryana
CHANDIGARH: Rains lashed several parts of Punjab, Haryana and the Union Territory Chandigarh on Monday, with Ludhiana logging the highest rainfall of 216.70 mm. According to the Met department here, several places in Punjab and Haryana received rain during the 24-hour period ending 8:30 am Monday. Among other places in Punjab which received rain included Amritsar (24.1 mm), Patiala (80.4 mm), Pathankot (3.6 mm), Bathinda (3 mm), Faridkot (10.2 mm), Gurdaspur (2.7 mm), SBS Nagar (112.7 mm), Mohali (64 mm), Mansa (42 mm) and Rupnagar (82.5 mm). Chandigarh, the joint capital of both states, received 76.5 mm of rainfall. Among other places in Haryana, Ambala recorded 48.4 mm, Hisar (11.8 mm), Karnal (12.8 mm), Narnaul (66 mm), Rohtak (13.4 mm), Sirsa (130 mm), Panchkula (57 mm), Panipat (33 mm) and Gurugram (9.5 mm). Punjab is under the grip of massive floods, caused by the swollen Sutlej, Beas and Ravi rivers and seasonal rivulets due to heavy rain in their catchment areas in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. Villages worst-affected by the floods were in Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Fazilka, Kapurthala, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Hoshiarpur and Amritsar districts. Relief and rescue operations by the NDRF, Army, BSF, Punjab Police and district authorities continued on a war footing in the affected areas.
CHANDIGARH: The flood situation in Punjab has worsened due to incessant heavy rainfall, causing major rivers including the Ravi, Beas, Sutlej, and Ghaggar to swell. Out of Punjabs 23 districts, 22 have been affected so far. A total of 1,312 villages are impacted, nearly 3 lakh acres of standing crops have been inundated, and 26 people have lost their lives. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the release of Rs 60,000 crore in state funds that he claims are pending with the Union Government. Punjab Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian confirmed that the 1,312 affected villages include, 93 in Amritsar, 26 in Barnala, 21 in Bathinda, 1 in Fatehgarh Sahib, 92 in Fazilka, 107 in Ferozepur, 324 in Gurdaspur, 86 in Hoshiarpur, 55 in Jalandhar, 123 in Kapurthala, 26 in Ludhiana, 4 in Malerkotla, 77 in Mansa, 35 in Moga, 81 in Pathankot, 14 in Patiala, 2 in Rupnagar, 22 in Sangrur, 1 in SAS Nagar, 3 in SBS Nagar, 74 in Muktsar and 45 in Tarn Taran. Emergency response teams from the state machinery, along with NDRF, SDRF, the Army, and Punjab Police, are working round-the-clock to protect lives and property. Additional Chief Secretary and Financial Commissioner (Revenue), Anurag Verma, after inspecting villages along the Sutlej River in Ferozepur district, reported that nearly 3 lakh acres of land have been affected and around 1.25 lakh people are impacted by the floods. He added that the government has ordered a special girdawari (crop damage assessment) to provide compensation for crop losses. District authorities have been instructed to gather accurate loss data, and compensation will be disbursed per CM Manns directives. Currently, six NDRF teams are deployed in Gurdaspur and one each in Fazilka, Ferozepur, Pathankot, and Amritsar. Two SDRF teams are operational in Kapurthala. The Army, Navy, and Air Force are assisting in Kapurthala, Gurdaspur, Ferozepur, and Pathankot, while BSF teams are engaged in Gurdaspur and Ferozepur. Punjab Police and Fire Brigade are also assisting in Kapurthala and Ferozepur. Additionally, 15 boats in Kapurthala, 12 in Ferozepur, and 4 in Pathankot are engaged in evacuations, with airlifting operations carried out where required. So far, 26 people have died in the floods, including an irrigation department employee who fell into the Ravi River last week while trying to open flood gates at the Madhopur barrage. Sources said that the Ghaggar River is also overflowing due to excess water from the Markanda and Tangri rivers. Water levels at Chika (Haryana), Khanauri (Sangrur), and Sardulgarh (Mansa) are very high, though still below the danger mark. CM writes to PM Modi In his letter to Prime Minister Modi, CM Mann said that Punjab is facing one of its worst flood disasters in decades, with around 1,300 villages and lakhs of people affected. He said heavy rains and dam releases caused severe flooding in Gurdaspur, Kapurthala, Amritsar, Pathankot, Ferozepur, Fazilka, and Hoshiarpur. He noted that nearly 3 lakh acres of mainly paddy crops are submerged just weeks before harvest. Losses of livestock have also deeply affected rural families. The Chief Minister emphasized that Punjab has suffered a permanent revenue loss of Rs 49,727 crore due to the GST replacing VAT, with no compensation granted. Additionally, reductions in RDF and MDF have cost the state over Rs 8,000 crore, and the scrapping of PMGSY projects worth Rs 828 crore has further hurt development. He also slammed the existing State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) norms, calling them grossly inadequate. Current compensation for crop loss exceeding 33% stands at Rs 17,000 per hectare (or Rs 6,800 per acre). Mann stated the state government already tops this up to Rs 15,000 per acre, but given the extent of devastation, at least Rs 50,000 per acre should be provided. He urged a revision of SDRF norms and assured the Centre that Punjab would continue contributing its 25% share as per scheme guidelines. The Punjab government has extended school holidays till September 3. Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said the decision was taken on CM Manns instructions to ensure student safety. He urged parents to prioritise their childrens well-being and requested teachers to stay in touch with district administrations to support community efforts. Schools were originally closed from August 27 to 30.
CHANDIGARH: The flood situation in Punjab has worsened due to incessant heavy rainfall, causing major rivers including the Ravi, Beas, Sutlej, and Ghaggar to swell. Out of Punjabs 23 districts, 22 have been affected so far. A total of 1,312 villages are impacted, nearly 3 lakh acres of standing crops have been inundated, and 26 people have lost their lives. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the release of 60,000 crore in state funds that he claims are pending with the Union Government. Punjab Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian confirmed that the 1,312 affected villages include, 93 in Amritsar, 26 in Barnala, 21 in Bathinda, 1 in Fatehgarh Sahib, 92 in Fazilka, 107 in Ferozepur, 324 in Gurdaspur, 86 in Hoshiarpur, 55 in Jalandhar, 123 in Kapurthala, 26 in Ludhiana, 4 in Malerkotla, 77 in Mansa, 35 in Moga, 81 in Pathankot, 14 in Patiala, 2 in Rupnagar, 22 in Sangrur, 1 in SAS Nagar, 3 in SBS Nagar, 74 in Muktsar and 45 in Tarn Taran. Emergency response teams from the state machinery, along with NDRF, SDRF, the Army, and Punjab Police, are working round-the-clock to protect lives and property. Additional Chief Secretary and Financial Commissioner (Revenue), Anurag Verma, after inspecting villages along the Sutlej River in Ferozepur district, reported that nearly 3 lakh acres of land have been affected and around 1.25 lakh people are impacted by the floods. He added that the government has ordered a special girdawari (crop damage assessment) to provide compensation for crop losses. District authorities have been instructed to gather accurate loss data, and compensation will be disbursed per CM Manns directives. Currently, six NDRF teams are deployed in Gurdaspur and one each in Fazilka, Ferozepur, Pathankot, and Amritsar. Two SDRF teams are operational in Kapurthala. The Army, Navy, and Air Force are assisting in Kapurthala, Gurdaspur, Ferozepur, and Pathankot, while BSF teams are engaged in Gurdaspur and Ferozepur. Punjab Police and Fire Brigade are also assisting in Kapurthala and Ferozepur. Additionally, 15 boats in Kapurthala, 12 in Ferozepur, and 4 in Pathankot are engaged in evacuations, with airlifting operations carried out where required. So far, 26 people have died in the floods, including an irrigation department employee who fell into the Ravi River last week while trying to open flood gates at the Madhopur barrage. Sources said that the Ghaggar River is also overflowing due to excess water from the Markanda and Tangri rivers. Water levels at Chika (Haryana), Khanauri (Sangrur), and Sardulgarh (Mansa) are very high, though still below the danger mark. CM writes to PM Modi In his letter to Prime Minister Modi, CM Mann said that Punjab is facing one of its worst flood disasters in decades, with around 1,300 villages and lakhs of people affected. He said heavy rains and dam releases caused severe flooding in Gurdaspur, Kapurthala, Amritsar, Pathankot, Ferozepur, Fazilka, and Hoshiarpur. He noted that nearly 3 lakh acres of mainly paddy crops are submerged just weeks before harvest. Losses of livestock have also deeply affected rural families. The Chief Minister emphasized that Punjab has suffered a permanent revenue loss of Rs 49,727 crore due to the GST replacing VAT, with no compensation granted. Additionally, reductions in RDF and MDF have cost the state over Rs 8,000 crore, and the scrapping of PMGSY projects worth Rs 828 crore has further hurt development. He also slammed the existing State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) norms, calling them grossly inadequate. Current compensation for crop loss exceeding 33% stands at Rs 17,000 per hectare (or Rs 6,800 per acre). Mann stated the state government already tops this up to Rs 15,000 per acre, but given the extent of devastation, at least Rs 50,000 per acre should be provided. He urged a revision of SDRF norms and assured the Centre that Punjab would continue contributing its 25% share as per scheme guidelines. The Punjab government has extended school holidays till September 3. Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said the decision was taken on CM Manns instructions to ensure student safety. He urged parents to prioritise their childrens well-being and requested teachers to stay in touch with district administrations to support community efforts. Schools were originally closed from August 27 to 30.
Flood-ravaged Punjab receives 74% excess rain in August, highest in 25 years
Punjab and Haryana experienced excessive rainfall in August. Punjab received its highest rainfall in 25 years, 74% above normal. Eighteen of Punjab's districts recorded excess rain, leading to massive floods in Gurdaspur, Pathankot and other districts. Haryana also saw a 32% increase in rainfall. Chandigarh received an 8% increase. The heavy rains caused swollen rivers and rivulets.
Punjab floods: Death toll rises to 24; 1018 villages affected
CHANDIGARH: The floods in Punjab has claimed 24 lives so far. The flood situation continues to remain grim with 1,018 villages affected and standing crops in 1.51 lakh acres (61,273 hectares) remaining under water in nine districts of the state due to the surging Ravi, Beas and Sutluj rivers. The state has suffered huge financial loss due to crop damage and livestock deaths. As per reports from district headquarters, 16,632 hectares of land have been affected in Fazilka, 10,806 hectares in Ferozepur, 11,620 hectares in Kapurthala, 7,000 hectares in Pathankot, 9,928 hectares in Tarn Taran, and 5,287 hectares in Hoshiarpur. Currently, 77 relief camps are fully operational out of 87 set up in flood affected areas, providing shelter to 4,729 people. The administration is taking care of all the essential needs of these people. The Ravi river continued to flow at 4.60 lakh cusecs, well above the danger level at Dharamkot in Gurdaspur district. The water levels at the Madhopur and Ujh barrages receded to 39,000 cusecs and 7,700 cusecs, respectively. Both the BJP and the Congress party have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding a special relief package. The leader of opposition and senior congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa, in his letter, demanded Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a special central relief package, to provide compensation to the next of kin of the victims and farmers who suffered crop loss. Among other things, he also sought assistance for reconstruction of damaged roads, schools and homes and the launch a long term flood management plan for Punjab including strengthening embankments, delisting rivers, and coordinating water release with neighboring states. He also appealed to the PM to personally visit the state to witness the scale of devastation and reassure the affected families. Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar has also written a letter to PM Modi, urgently requesting central assistance. He emphasized the need for additional and immediate assistance given the severity of the disaster and urged the Prime Minister to deploy central assessment teams to evaluate the ground situation and announce a special relief package to address the immediate needs of Punjabs flood-affected people. Former Chief Minister and BJP leader Capt Amarinder Singh said that the devastating floods have shaken the entire state of Punjab, causing unprecedented damage to life, agriculture, and infrastructure. While almost every region has been affected, the most severe impact extends from Bhoa Assembly to Fazilka, along with Kapurthala district, Tarn Taran, Amritsar. He urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to immediately announce a special relief package for Punjab and to deploy additional central forces to assist in the ongoing rescue and rehabilitation operations. Timely assistance is crucial so that affected families and farmers are not left to suffer in silence. Punjabs economy, already under stress, cannot withstand this scale of destruction without urgent intervention from the Centre, he said. Punjabi singer Satinder Sartaaj has sent one month's ration for 500 families of the flood-affected border sub-division Ajnala. Amritsar Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney instructed her team of volunteers to deliver these materials to the needy. Another Punjabi singer Jasbir Jassi and Raj Kundra, husband of Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty, too, have announced relief for the flood-affected area. She said that drones were being used to reach out to people whose houses were submerged in the waters of the Ravi river in Ramdass area. She along with officers was today at Harar Kalan village in Ajnala and stated that the distribution of relief material had been started in the affected villages of the border subdivision. The district administration has also set up relief centres for animals in Chamyari and Ajnala Dana Mandi. Amid the ongoing flood situation in Punjab, acting Jathedar of Akal Takht (Highest Temporal seat of Sikhs) Giani Kuldip Gargay appealed to all the people to stand by one another in this difficult time and extend help to those in distress. He stressed that the real reasons behind the recurring floods in Punjab must be probed and then reasons should be made public so that the people of the state could be prepared for future natural calamities and concerted efforts be made to avoid or mitigate it.
10 pilgrims dead, eight missing, 5,000 devotees evacuated amid Manimahesh Yatra disaster
CHANDIGARH: Ten pilgrims have died, and eight are missing in the ongoing Manimahesh Yatra, which was suspended on Monday due to heavy rains, landslides, and flash floods. Around 5,000 devotees stranded in the Bharmour region have been safely evacuated to Nurpur and Pathankot from Kalsuin. Meanwhile, Dharamsala and McLeodganj are facing a water crisis as the water level at the Pong Dam remains above the danger mark. The Kiratpur-Manali National Highway has also been blocked again due to landslides. Sources report that seven rescue teams, comprising police personnel, home guards, volunteers, NCC cadets, local residents, and civil officers, have been deployed to aid in the rescue operations. The devotees, who had trekked approximately 14 km from the district headquarters to reach Kalsuin, were then transported by 39 buses and 25 taxis to Chamba and Nurpur. Authorities have arranged additional buses to evacuate the remaining pilgrims, with 40 more buses requested. To assist the evacuees, arrangements for food and shelter have been made in Chamba, with community kitchens (langars) set up in Kalsui, Dharwala, and Dakhog to provide meals to the stranded devotees. Despite the debris being cleared from the Kalsui-Rakh road, heavy vehicles cannot pass, making the road unsuitable for large-scale movement. Due to the heavy rains and subsequent flash floods, roads were washed away, and communication links were severed, leading to the deaths of ten devotees and leaving eight others missing en route to the Manimahesh Yatra. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu conducted an aerial survey of the disaster-hit areas in Bharmour, Manimahesh, and other regions of Chamba district, as well as Fatehpur and Mand in Kangra district, following the excess water release from the Pong Dam. However, the adverse weather conditions prevented his helicopter from landing in Bharmour. The Chief Minister held a meeting with district administration officials in Chamba and instructed them to expedite the relief and rescue operations in the affected areas. He also stressed the importance of ensuring adequate arrangements for food, water, shelter, and other essential amenities for those stranded. Sukhu visited Kalsuin to oversee the transportation arrangements and interacted with the devotees. He said, The buses have been arranged for the devotees at Kalsuin near Chamba from where they could board the same for going towards Nurpur and Pathankot. He also directed officials to quickly restore the Salooni-Khundimaral road to facilitate the smooth movement of pilgrims, particularly those coming from Jammu's Kishtwar and Doda districts. Sukhu added that the State Governments pre-emptive measures had helped reduce the loss of lives compared to the devastation in 2023. However, the scale of destruction this year was far greater, with widespread damage to roads, electricity, water supply, and communication services. This year, the entire state has been hit by the destruction attributed to incessant rains, landslides, and cloud bursts. The rehabilitation is a challenge, but with the support of the people, we will overcome it courageously. It is our responsibility to rehabilitate the families who have been rendered homeless, lost all means of livelihood, and we will offer a special relief package to support them, he said. The Chief Minister acknowledged that the situation was being closely monitored by key government officials. Speaker of Vidhan Sabha Kuldeep Singh Pathania, Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, and Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh are reviewing the situation on the ground, Sukhu said, highlighting the humanitarian approach being adopted by the government. He mentioned that, Revenue Minister Negi has proceeded for Bharmour on foot from Chamba. This demonstrates that the present government has adopted a humanitarian approach and was sensitively dealing with the crisis. Regarding road restoration, Sukhu mentioned that heavy machinery, including JCBs and poclains, has been deployed in the district. However, the weather has posed significant challenges to the relief and restoration works. The evacuation of those stranded in Bharmour is also dependent on favourable weather conditions, although helicopters have been deployed for this purpose. The Chief Minister also called for a study to determine the underlying reasons for the frequent occurrence of cloud bursts in the state, citing global warming and climate change as major contributors. We must dig deep to tackle this problem effectively and save valuable lives, he stressed. Before departing for Bharmour, Sukhu inquired about the relief and rehabilitation operations in Kangra district from the Deputy Commissioner, Hemraj Bairwa, following excess water release from Pong Dam. Meanwhile, the water level in the Pong Dam remains above the danger mark at 1,391.28 feet, slightly above the permissible limit of 1,390 feet. The inflow was recorded at 160,276 cusecs, and the outflow was 84,952 cusecs, of which 17,079 cusecs were released through turbines, and 67,873 cusecs through spillways. At the MHC, the discharge stood at 11,500 cusecs, and 73,452 cusecs were released downstream at the Shah Nehar Barrage, with six machines operational at the dam. The water shortage in Dharamsala and McLeodganj is also a growing concern, as several water supply schemes were disrupted due to heavy rainfall, which caused landslides and damaged pipelines. The main supply line from the Naddi water treatment plant to Dharamsala was damaged due to land subsidence, affecting several distribution networks. The Gajj Khadd scheme, one of the major sources of water for the city, has been non-functional for over a month, and both the Naddi-Bhatehad and Bhagsunag schemes were also disrupted, further affecting the water supply to large parts of the city. Once again, the Kiratpur-Manali National Highway has been blocked between Mandi and Kullu due to a massive landslide, just a day after it was reopened following a four-day closure. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has deployed its workforce and heavy machinery to clear the blockage, but the disruption has left vehicles and tourists stranded. A flash flood triggered by heavy rainfall was reported at Katwadhi village under the Nandi Panchayat of Gohar subdivision in Mandi district. The sudden surge of water in the Naseni Nallah caused significant damage to local infrastructure, although fortunately, no loss of human life has been reported. As of this morning, 557 roads, including three national highways, remain closed for traffic. Of these, 213 are in Mandi district, 160 in Kullu, 28 in Shimla, 38 in Sirmaur, 60 in Kangra, 23 in Una, 14 in Lahaul and Spiti, 11 in Solan, and 9 in Bilaspur district. According to the State Emergency Operations Centre, 936 power supply transformers and 223 water supply schemes have also been disrupted across the state. In Shimla, two individuals, Hemant and Pyare Lal, were injured after their houses were damaged by landslides in Thala village in Rampur Subdivision. Both were rushed to nearby medical facilities for treatment.
Army Rescued 1,000 Stranded People From Flood-Hit Areas From Gurdaspur To Jammu: GoC
Jammu, Aug 29: The General Officer Commanding (GoC) Tiger Division, Major General Mukesh Bhanwala, on Friday said that the Army has rescued nearly 1,000 stranded people, including children, students and paramilitary personnel, during large-scale rescue and relief operations carried out in close coordination with the civil administration in the JammuGurdaspur belt. The recent heavy rains triggered severe floods across Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Pathankot and Gurdaspur, causing widespread damage to infrastructure and affecting our people. Responding with urgency, the Indian Army [] The post Army Rescued 1,000 Stranded People From Flood-Hit Areas From Gurdaspur To Jammu: GoC appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
CHANDIGARH: The flood situation in Punjab remains critical, with 836 villages and standing crops across more than 1.10 lakh acres affected in eight districts, Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Fazilka, Kapurthala, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Hoshiarpur and Amritsar, due to swelling of the Ravi, Beas and Sutlej rivers. So far, 7,689 people have been evacuated to safer locations. Heavy rains and the rising Ghaggar river, following intense rainfall in its catchment area and the opening of floodgates at Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh, have prompted a flood alert in Patiala. Drones have been pressed into service to deliver relief material, including medicines, dry rations and water bottles, to affected residents in Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district. Meanwhile, amphibious ATOR (All Terrain Off Road) vehicles have been deployed to evacuate stranded villagers in the Ramdas area of Amritsar. Chairing a high-level meeting to review the flood situation, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said, The heavy flow of water from hilly areas has created havoc for the state. Till date, 14.11 lakh cusecs of water has been received in river Ravi. This is the highest discharge the state has ever received; it was 11.20 lakh cusecs when severe floods struck the state in 1988. He added that the state government has already written to Haryana and Rajasthan, urging them to release maximum water from the rivers. The army has already been deployed in five flood-affected districts and is conducting rescue operations along with the administration using state-of-the-art equipment and machinery, CM Mann said. Seventeen teams of the NDRF have also been deployed to carry out relief measures so that the flood-affected people can be rescued. He noted that continuous on-ground operations are ongoing to evacuate stranded people, assess damage, and prevent disease outbreaks. Flood situation remains grim in eight districts of Punjab; dams near capacity CM Mann also said the government has constituted a high-powered committee of three senior officers to supervise relief and rescue operations in the flood-hit districts daily. The committee, comprising senior officers from the Revenue, Water Resources and Food and Civil Supplies departments, will remain stationed in Amritsar and other affected areas. He asked the Chief Secretary to visit flood-affected areas to ensure relief and rescue operations are carried out more effectively. Special Director General of Police (Law and Order) Arpit Shukla said, With heavy rainfall in the catchment areas continuing to swell the Sutlej, Beas, Ravi and Ujh rivers, Punjab Police, along with teams from the Army, Border Security Force, NDRF, SDRF and civil administration, have been working in tandem. So far, 7,689 people have been evacuated and shifted to safe places. Shukla, personally supervising the situation, added, Drones are being used to trace people for evacuation and to deliver food packets and other essential items. He noted that 20 Indian Army helicopters have been stationed in the state to help evacuate and relocate people safely. Since 27 August, troops of the Army's Panther Division have been tirelessly operating in the flood-hit Ramdas-Ajnala belt. In 40+ submerged villages, soldiers are carrying out nonstop rescue and relief operationsevacuating families, delivering medical aid, distributing food and essentials, and supporting civil authorities in restoring normalcy, the Army posted on X. Amritsar district administration has deployed amphibious ATOR vehicles and boats to reach stranded villagers. Amritsar Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney said, We are reaching out to stranded people in waterlogged villages by boat. People are being continuously evacuated to safe locations, and those who wish to stay back are being provided with necessary supplies through boats. While 836 villages and standing crops across 1.10 lakh acres were worst affected, heavy rains have triggered flood alerts in Patiala, where 202 villages in Gurdaspur, 107 in Kapurthala, 85 in Gurdaspur, 81 in Pathankot, 93 in Ferozepur, 64 in Muktsar and 45 in Tarn Taran are at risk. The Patiala district administration has issued a high alert for low-lying villages along the Ghaggar river following heavy rainfall in its catchment area and the opening of Sukhna Lake floodgates. Punjab flood crisis deepens: rivers overflow, dams exceed limits, villages submerged Villages along the Ghaggar river embankment near Derabassi were also advised to stay alert, although authorities assured residents there was no cause for panic. In Hoshiarpur, villages are still reeling from the damage caused by the Chakki Khad tributary of the Beas, which breached embankments and submerged farmlands in Mukerian subdivision. Residents have urged authorities to plug the breaches immediately to prevent further losses. Farmlands in several villages across Tanda and Mukerian subdivisions have remained submerged for days. Hoshiarpur Deputy Commissioner Ashika Jain visited flood-affected areas of Tanda and Dasuya subdivisions and assured that all efforts were being made to provide timely assistance. The Ferozepur district remains heavily affected, with nearly 16,000 acres of crops inundated and 62 villages badly hit. Over 2,500 residents have been rescued, and 13 relief camps have been established to shelter displaced families. Officials also noted that the Pong Dam on the Beas river remains above the danger mark, with water levels at 1,391.98 feet on Friday morning, an outflow of 1,00,614 cusecs, and an inflow of 53,000 cusecs. Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa said, All INC Punjab MLAs and I have decided to contribute one month's salary to the Chief Minister's Flood Relief Fund. In solidarity with the flood-affected families of Punjab, this is a humble gesture of empathy in these testing times. I urge all citizens and organisations to come forward for relief and rehabilitation. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had earlier stated that his entire cabinet and all AAP MLAs would donate one month's salary towards flood relief efforts. Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar visited the flood-affected Ajnala Assembly constituency, criticising the state governments utilisation of disaster funds. The Central Government has released 229 crore out of the allocated 611 crore for disaster management in Punjab, but the state government has failed to utilise these funds effectively, he said. Jakhar added that he would write to the Prime Minister to request additional assistance for Punjabs flood-affected people.
CHANDIGARH: Heavy rainfall has triggered fresh landslides and flash floods across five districts of Himachal Pradesh, Chamba, Kullu, Lahaul Spiti, Kangra, and Mandi, leaving the situation grim. Around 380 tourists stranded in Sissu, Lahaul and Spiti, have been safely evacuated. Meanwhile, pilgrims of the Manimahesh Yatra, which was suspended on Monday due to heavy rains, remain stranded in Chamba town owing to massive landslides. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu presided over a disaster review meeting covering the five affected districts through video conference from New Delhi today. He discussed the current situation at length with the Divisional Commissioner, Kangra, stationed at Chamba, as well as with the Deputy Commissioner of Chamba and the Superintendent of Police, both stationed at Bharmour. Sukhu sought information about the stranded Manimahesh Yatris, losses incurred due to flash floods and heavy rains, and the status of ongoing relief and restoration works. He was informed that all the stranded devotees were safe and well attended to, with proper arrangements for food, shelter, and first aid. He directed the restoration of communication services across the district, particularly in Bharmour, to ensure that residents could contact their near and dear ones. Additionally, he instructed authorities to make arrangements for the safe return of the devotees housed in large numbers at Chamba Chaugan. It was also reported in the meeting that Jio, Airtel, and BSNL services have been restored in Chamba town, and the 25-kilometre road from Chamba to Bharmour has been reopened. Sukhu instructed the Chamba and Bharmour district administration to prioritise the evacuation of Manimahesh Yatris, especially women and children. He also directed the airlifting of the elderly and ill. He emphasised the provision of basic amenities, including food, shelter, and first aid, and instructed authorities to facilitate the safe journey of the stranded devotees to their destinations. In addition, he ordered airdrops of food at inaccessible locations where devotees were still stranded. Sukhu asked for adequate stocks of rations and vegetables, deployment of Air Force helicopters, and assignment of officers to ensure patch-wise restoration of roads washed away or blocked by landslides. He further called for additional manpower and machinery to clear roads swiftly and to restore water and electricity schemes. The Chief Minister was briefed on the status of blocked roads, disrupted electricity, irrigation and drinking water schemes, and communication services in the affected districts. He directed the Deputy Commissioners of Mandi and Kullu to ensure smooth vehicular movement through alternate routes and emphasised the prompt restoration of drinking water and electricity, alongside reopening blocked roads. Inquiring about the situation in Bara-Bhangal, Kangra district, Sukhu ordered airdrops of food grains and other essentials for residents. He also called for speedy assessments of land lost to the floods. He reviewed restoration works at Indora, Fatehpur, and Pong dam. Officials reported that the water level in Pong dam has decreased and that people from submerged areas have been safely relocated. Sukhu instructed the Deputy Commissioner of Lahaul and Spiti to ensure the evacuation of all tourists. Later, DC Lahaul and Spiti Kiran Bhadana confirmed that around 380 tourists stranded in Sissu had been safely evacuated. She reported that Jio and Airtel services had been restored, with further efforts underway to restore other networks. She also confirmed that power supply had been restored in many areas, and generation had resumed at Thirot electricity substation. The Chief Minister asked the Chief Secretary to coordinate with the district administration for the proper execution of these measures. It was reported that the PathankotChamba road is now open to all vehicles, while small vehicles are plying via the KamandKatola road towards Kullu. Sukhu directed the district administration to restrict this alternate route to small vehicles, with heavy vehicles halted at Mandi until roads are cleared. He was informed that the KulluMandi NH-03 is open to small vehicles and that major roads in Mandi have been cleared, except for the MandiSarkaghat route via Basahi/Dharampur.
56 BSF personnel among 308 persons rescued by Army in Jammu-Pathankot sector
The Army has intensified rescue operations across Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab, deploying 20 columns and evacuating 308 individuals, including BSF personnel and children from an orphanage. Since Tuesday, a total of 943 people have been rescued from flood-affected areas. Additionally, essential supplies, medicines, and vital data connectivity are being restored, while critical patients are being airlifted from inaccessible regions.
56 BSF men among 308 rescued in Jammu-Pathankot sector
Jammu Tawi, Aug 28; The Army on Thursday deployed 20 columns to speed up rescue operations from Jammu to Gurdaspur, evacuating 308 persons, including 56 BSF personnel, in areas of Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab, officials said. With this, the number of persons rescued since Tuesday has risen to 943. The Rising Star Corps continues [] The post 56 BSF men among 308 rescued in Jammu-Pathankot sector appeared first on Northlines .
Punjab floods: Indian Army's daredevil rescue mission with Cheetah helicopters - Watch
The Indian Army, NDRF, BSF, and IAF have been conducting extensive rescue operations in Punjab's flood-affected districts, including Amritsar, Gurdaspur, and Pathankot. Aviation helicopters evacuated stranded civilians, CRPF personnel, and irrigation officials, while ground teams rescued villagers from rising floodwaters using boats. These efforts provided essential relief and instilled confidence among the distressed population amidst severe flooding reminiscent of 1988.
CHANDIGARH: The army launched humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations following incessant rains and floods in Himachal Pradesh , Punjab, and Jammu. A total of 1,211 civilians, including 11 Punjab Government officials stranded at Madhopur Barrage and 180 PMF personnel, have been evacuated to safety. Nearly 2,300 kilograms of essential supplies, including food, water, and medicines, have been dropped or distributed in cut-off areas by army helicopters and ground teams. The army aviation assets have played a crucial role in rescue missions. Twelve helicopters comprising three advanced light helicopters (ALH) and nine Cheetah helicopters executed challenging winching and hovering operations, rescuing numerous civilians stranded on rooftops and in inundated villages. The defence spokesman said the operations were undertaken swiftly using all resources to rescue the civil populace. Jammu & Kashmir flash floods: 30 dead in Vaishno Devi landslide; Rescue operations in full swing All the actions were undertaken in close coordination with the local state administration. Swift and determined actions by army aviation and ground forces have brought much-needed relief to flood-affected families across Jammu, Mamun, Pathankot (Samba, Kachle, Sujanpur), Gurdaspur (Makaura Pattan, Adalatgarh), Amritsar and Ferozepur sectors. A total of 28 Army columns, including medical teams and communication resources, have been activated to reinforce the relief effort. These columns are providing immediate ground support, evacuation assistance, restoration of connectivity and medical aid to displaced families. In addition, boats and safety ropes are used to ferry stranded people to safer areas, stated the spokesperson. The army medical teams continue to provide on-the-spot aid to the injured and vulnerable. In a significant engineering effort, a Bailey Bridge has been provided to the Jammu State Administration to restore connectivity in flood-damaged areas, ensuring the movement of relief supplies and critical resources. The armys HADR operations are being conducted round-the-clock in synergy with the state administration. Flood warnings issued in Punjab as Beas, Ravi rivers swell from heavy Himachal rains
Punjab: Several districts under grip of floods; rescue operations intensified
The worst-affected villages are in Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Fazilka, Kapurthala, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Hoshiarpur and Amritsar districts
Indian Army Aviation executed a perilous helicopter rescue in Pathankot, Punjab, evacuating civilians and CRPF personnel from a building encircled by floodwaters. Despite hazardous weather, army pilots demonstrated exceptional skill by landing on the precarious structure. The building collapsed shortly after the evacuation, underscoring the operation's critical timing and the team's bravery.
CHANDIGARH: The flood situation remains grim in eight districts of Punjab --Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Amritsar, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur and Fazilka-- where the Ravi, Beas and Sutlej rivers are in spate. Approximately 400 students and 40 staff members are feared to be trapped in rising floodwaters at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya in Daburi village of Gurdaspur. The school is situated along the Gurdaspur-Dorangla road. According to sources, Kiran nullah, which flows adjacent to the school, has not been cleaned in years, which has led to the accumulation of floodwater in and around the premises. Meanwhile, as many as 22 CRPF personnel and three civilians were evacuated from a flooded village by an Army helicopter, just minutes before the building they were sheltering in collapsed. A defence spokesperson said that the Army, in a swift and daring operation, evacuated the people who were stranded near Madhopur Headworks, an area bordering Lakhanpur in Jammu and Kashmir. The building where these people were sheltering collapsed shortly after the evacuation, highlighting the timeliness and precision of the rescue. At 6 am on Wednesday, Army Aviation helicopters took off to carry out the rescue operation despite challenging conditions, and all stranded individuals were safely evacuated, he said. Indian Army Aviation undertook a high-risk helicopter rescue operation, evacuating stranded civilians and #CRPF personnel from a building surrounded by raging floodwaters and at imminent risk of collapse at Madhopur Headworks, #Punjab . Braving challenging weather and rapidly pic.twitter.com/8999qBrs0x ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) August 27, 2025 This successful operation once again reflects the Indian Armys unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and its ability to respond promptly in crisis situations. The synergy between the Army and local authorities averted a potential tragedy, he added. The water level in the Ravi river was recorded at 4.60 lakh cusecs early this morning, leading to flooding in Gurdaspur, Pathankot and Amritsar districts. The water level in the Ranjit Sagar Dam on the Ravi crossed the danger mark of 527.91 metres, prompting authorities to release water from the reservoir in a controlled manner. Yesterday, approximately 1.95 lakh cusecs of water were released from the dam. Controlled releases are also being made from the Bhakra and Pong dams. The catchment areas of the three dams in neighbouring Himachal Pradesh have witnessed heavy rainfall since the start of August. Mandi, the worst-affected district in the hill state, is one of the main catchment areas for the Beas river, on which the Pong Dam is built. Several cloudbursts have led to a massive inflow of water into the reservoir, causing a sharp rise in its levels. The Punjab government has already issued warnings to people residing in villages along the rivers to be prepared for any eventuality. Relief camps have also been set up in the affected districtsone in Kapurthala, six in Ferozepur and five in Hoshiarpur. In Fazilka, 36,435 acres of land have been inundated due to the floods, and 270 houses have either collapsed or developed cracks. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann will be touring Pathankot and Gurdaspur districts today to take stock of the flood situation and oversee relief and rescue operations. Mann has also formed a committee for flood management and set up a central flood control room in Jalandhar. 34 dead as heavy rains lash J&K; mobile, internet service down
Army evacuates 25, including CRPF personnel, minutes before building collapse amid Punjab floods
CHANDIGARH: The flood situation remains grim in eight districts of Punjab --Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Amritsar, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur and Fazilka-- where the Ravi, Beas and Sutlej rivers are in spate. As many as 22 CRPF personnel and three civilians were evacuated from a flooded village by an Army helicopter, just minutes before the building they were sheltering in collapsed. A defence spokesperson said that the Army, in a swift and daring operation, evacuated the people who were stranded near Madhopur Headworks, an area bordering Lakhanpur in Jammu and Kashmir. The building where these people were sheltering collapsed shortly after the evacuation, highlighting the timeliness and precision of the rescue. At 6 am on Wednesday, Army Aviation helicopters took off to carry out the rescue operation despite challenging conditions, and all stranded individuals were safely evacuated, he said. Indian Army Aviation undertook a high-risk helicopter rescue operation, evacuating stranded civilians and #CRPF personnel from a building surrounded by raging floodwaters and at imminent risk of collapse at Madhopur Headworks, #Punjab . Braving challenging weather and rapidly pic.twitter.com/8999qBrs0x ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) August 27, 2025 This successful operation once again reflects the Indian Armys unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and its ability to respond promptly in crisis situations. The synergy between the Army and local authorities averted a potential tragedy, he added. The water level in the Ravi river was recorded at 4.60 lakh cusecs early this morning, leading to flooding in Gurdaspur, Pathankot and Amritsar districts. The water level in the Ranjit Sagar Dam on the Ravi crossed the danger mark of 527.91 metres, prompting authorities to release water from the reservoir in a controlled manner. Yesterday, approximately 1.95 lakh cusecs of water were released from the dam. Controlled releases are also being made from the Bhakra and Pong dams. The catchment areas of the three dams in neighbouring Himachal Pradesh have witnessed heavy rainfall since the start of August. Mandi, the worst-affected district in the hill state, is one of the main catchment areas for the Beas river, on which the Pong Dam is built. Several cloudbursts have led to a massive inflow of water into the reservoir, causing a sharp rise in its levels. The Punjab government has already issued warnings to people residing in villages along the rivers to be prepared for any eventuality. Relief camps have also been set up in the affected districtsone in Kapurthala, six in Ferozepur and five in Hoshiarpur. In Fazilka, 36,435 acres of land have been inundated due to the floods, and 270 houses have either collapsed or developed cracks. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann will be touring Pathankot and Gurdaspur districts today to take stock of the flood situation and oversee relief and rescue operations. Mann has also formed a committee for flood management and set up a central flood control room in Jalandhar. 34 dead as heavy rains lash J&K; mobile, internet service down
Video: Army Rescues 25, Including 22 CRPF Personnel, Stranded Due To Punjab Floods
The Indian Army Aviation on Wednesday conducted a daring rescue operation near Madhopur Headworks in Punjab's Pathankot district, saving 22 CRPF personnel and three civilians who were stranded due to rising floodwaters.
34 dead as heavy rains lash J&K; mobile, internet service down
SRINAGAR: The situation is grim in J&K as heavy rains have unleashed devastation in the Jammu region of the Union Territory, triggering floods, cloudbursts, landslides and mudslides that have claimed at least 34 lives and damaged key infrastructure, while severing rail, road, air and digital connectivity with the rest of the country. Jammu recorded the highest ever rainfall in August in 24 hours at 380.0 mms, according to MeT official. The continuous and incessant rainfall has triggered massive landslides and flashfloods. SSP Reasi Paramvir Singh said that 30 people were killed in the massive landslide that was triggered by the heavy and incessant rain, which hit near Inderprastha Bhojnalaya at Adhkwari cave temple , which is located en route to the Vaishno Devi shrine. Authorities had immediately launched the rescue operation to evacuate those trapped in the area. A police official at Police Control Room, Katra said the relief and rescue operation is going on. The teams of NDRF, SDRF, police and civil government agencies are engaged in the rescue operation The official said the rescue operation is being hampered due to lack of connectivity. 32 dead in Vaishno Devi landslide as torrential rains batter J&K; Rescue operations in full swing All mobile and internet connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir has remained disrupted since yesterday afternoon. While Jio mobile networks are operational, internet services are down due to a fibre cut caused by the downpour. Home Minister Amit Shah has talked to J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah after deaths in Vaishno Devi route due to landslides. J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha said officials were monitoring the situation across the Jammu region. The Jammu region has been lashed by heavy rains over the past few days, and the MeT department has forecast intermittent light to moderate showers across many areas of Jammu and parts of south and central Kashmir today, with brief cloudy intervals in between. It has also forecast a brief spell of rain/thunder at a few places on August 28 and 29. From August 30- September 1, there is possibility of moderate to heavy rain, thunder showers in Jammu region, a MeT official said. Two people were killed after their house collapsed due to heavy in Doda district. While another two died after being washed away in a flashflood. Jammu city is reeling under a flood-like situation with the water entering the residential houses in many low-lying areas. The water in the Chenab is flowing above the danger level and authorities have sounded alert and evacuated people from areas to safer places. Hundreds of people have been evacuated to a safer place by the administration, an official said. People have been advised not to go near the water bodies or nallahs and stay alert. The infrastructure including bridges, roads and government buildings have been damaged due to unprecedented rainfall in Jammu. The residential houses and private property have also suffered damage during the heavy downpour. I have never seen such heavy rainfall in Jammu in my life time, said a local resident Naveen Kumar. The MeT official warned that there is a possibility of landslides/mudslides and shooting stones at many vulnerable places and advised people to stay away from water bodies, nallahs, river embankments, close structures, etc, Due to continuous rainfall, Jammu is virtually cut off from the rest of the country and Kashmir. The Jammu-Srinagar national highway, the key road link connecting Kashmir with Jammu and the rest of the country, has been shut due to heavy rainfall. The Jammu-Pathankote highway and the Katra-Jammu-Pathankote railway line have also been closed, while air connectivity between Srinagar, Jammu and the rest of the country stands suspended. The disruption of mobile and internet services has added to the woes of the people as families have lost contact with their near and dear ones. Still struggling with almost nonexistent communication. There is a trickle of data flowing on Jio mobile but no fixed line WiFI, no browsing, almost no apps, things like X open frustratingly slowly. WhatsApp struggles with anything more than short text messages. Havent felt this disconnected since the terrible days of 2014 and 2019, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah posted on X. In Kashmir, the situation has turned alarming with authorities declaring a flood in south Kashmir after the Jhelum river crossed the danger mark at the Sangam gauge, flowing above the flood declaration level of 21.66 ft at 2.30 am. The flood duty as per SOP is in force in south Kashmir as the guage at Sangam has crossed the danger marks, Irrigation and Flood Control department said. The water is also rising at the Ram Munshi Bagh gauge in Srinagar and authorities are keeping a close watch on the situation. People living in low-lying areas and near the banks of river Jehlum have been asked to remain extra vigilant and not go near the water bodies. The authorities are hopeful that the water level will start receding with the improvement of the weather conditions. It has stopped raining in Srinagar and some other parts of the Valley. The tourists, local shikara operators and sand miners have also been cautioned against crossing river Jhelum and its tributaries without verifying the situation. Due to inclement weather, authorities have closed all educational institutions including schools, colleges and Universities in Jammu and Kashmir today. The exams scheduled for the day have been postponed. An independent weather forecaster Faizan Aif said with every passing hour, improvement is expected and gradually rains are also expected to cease.
Flash Floods In Punjab: 50 Border Villages Inundated As Sutlej River Swells, Over 200 Evacuated
Indian Army Aviation rescued 25 CRPF personnel and three civilians near Madhopur Headworks, Pathankot, after flash floods.
Railways Cancel 22 Trains In Jammu Division For August 27 Amid Heavy Rainfall
The Northern Railways on Tuesday cancelled 22 trains, halting at or departing from Jammu and Katra railway stations on August 27. Twenty-seven trains were short-terminated at Firozpur, Manda and Chak Rakhwalan, and Pathankot
Jammu-Pathankot, Jammu-Srinagar Highways Among Roads Closed Due To Landslides, Damaged Bridges
Jammu, Aug 26: Heavy rain in the Jammu region has disrupted normal traffic movement as the Jammu-Pathankot and Jammu-Srinagar national highways, as well as several inter-district roads, have been closed due to landslides, swollen rivers, and damaged bridges. A landslide on the route to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine atop the Trikuta hill on Tuesday afternoon killed at least six people, while several were feared trapped. Also, four people were killed in Jammus Doda district in separate rain-related incidents. Traffic [] The post Jammu-Pathankot, Jammu-Srinagar Highways Among Roads Closed Due To Landslides, Damaged Bridges appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
J&K: Landslide hits Vaishno Devi route in Reasi, at least six injured
A landslide triggered by heavy rains struck the route to Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir, causing injuries and prompting rescue operations. All trains from Katra have been cancelled. The region is experiencing heavy rainfall, leading to rising river levels, flash floods, and damage to infrastructure, including a bridge on the Jammu-Pathankot Highway.
A bridge over the Sahar Khad river near the Jammu-Pathankot Highway in Jammu and Kashmir's (J-K) Kathua has been damaged after the river began flowing in spate due to continuous rains in the region.
CHANDIGARH: Incessant rainfall in the catchment areas has continued to swell the Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi rivers, while the release of surplus water from the Pong, Bhakra, and Ranjit Sagar dams has further aggravated the situation. The gushing waters have inundated large tracts of farmland and villages along the three rivers, throwing normal life out of gear in Punjab and turning the situation grim. The worst-affected districts are Gurdaspur, Tarn Taran, Kapurthala, Ferozepur, and Fazilka, where schools have been ordered to remain closed. The swollen Ravi has become a major source of worry for residents of Gurdaspur as inflows into the river continue to rise due to heavy rains upstream. According to official data, the water level of the Ravi at Makora Pattan in Gurdaspur touched 2.50 lakh cusecs on Monday morning, prompting the civil administration to remain on alert. At Harike, where the Beas and Sutlej rivers converge, the water level was recorded at 2.34 lakh cusecs. As this water flows downstream to Hussainiwala in Ferozepur and further into Fazilka, local authorities and residents are on high alert and prepared for emergency evacuations. The water flowing from the Beas and Sutlej into the Harike Headworks has already ravaged thousands of acres of crops in several villages in Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, and Fazilka districts. Schools in Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Pathankot, Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Fazilka, and Ferozepur districts have also been shut, while the respective district administrations have issued evacuation advisories to flood-hit villages as waters continue to rise. Due to heavy rainfall in neighbouring Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, the Ravi and Ujh rivers, along with the Jalaliya, Chakki, and various canals and drains flowing through Pathankot district, are running beyond capacity. In Gurdaspur, the release of water from the Ranjit Sagar dam has inundated farmland in the Dera Baba Nanak area. Several villages situated between the Ravi river and the international border, along with others, are also submerged. Meanwhile, relief camps have been set up across several districts, with teams from health, animal husbandry, water supply and sanitation, and revenue departments actively working in the affected villages. Cabinet minister Harbhajan Singh ETO has been tasked with reviewing flood relief work in Tarn Taran, while MLA Manjinder Singh Lalpura and Barinder Goyal will be visiting flood-affected areas of Pathankot and Gurdaspur to oversee relief and evacuation operations. To monitor and coordinate relief measures, the state government has established a central flood control centre in Jalandhar and has roped in the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) to assist district administrations and the police in rescue efforts. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Ludhiana, Sangrur, Barnala, and Mansa districts, warning that intense rainfall and thunderstorms could disrupt normal activities and damage infrastructure.
Jammu reels under flood fury after record rainfall
4 people caught in flash flood rescued in Kathua Schools to remain closed across Jammu division on Tuesday 190.4 mm rainfall in 24 hrs second highest August figure in 99 years India warns Pakistan of potential downstream flooding Jammu-Pathankot bridge damaged, roads washed away Sunil Dutt Jammu Tawi, August 25: Life [] The post Jammu reels under flood fury after record rainfall appeared first on Northlines .
The Fazilka district administration ordered the closure of all schools in 20 villages near the Sutlej river in the wake of rising water levels because of incessant rain.
Three pilgrims die during Manimahesh Yatra; heavy rain forces closure of schools, roads in Himachal
CHANDIGARH: Three pilgrims died during the Manimahesh Yatra in Himachal Pradesh during the trek reportedly due to lack of oxygen. The yatra has been suspended, as this year so far 14 pilgrims have died. Due to moderate to very heavy rainfall disrupting normal life, schools and colleges in eight out of 12 districts were closed. Additionally, 685 roads, including three national highways, remained shut for traffic. Sources said the deceased have been identified as Aman and Rohit, both 18 years old from Pathankot, and Anmol (26) from Gurdaspur in Punjab. Their bodies are being brought to Bharmour for post-mortem. Teams from the Mountaineering Training Institute and the NDRF have been deployed to bring the bodies, after which they will be handed over to their families. While Aman was rescued from Kamal Kund but succumbed at Gaurikund, Rohit collapsed on the Kugti track and Anmol died at Dhanchho. Meanwhile, incessant rainfall over the past 24 hours has forced authorities to temporarily suspend the yatra. Devotees have been advised to stay at safe locations until weather conditions improve. The yatra, which began on August 17 and is scheduled to conclude on September 15, has been badly hit by adverse weather. So far, 14 pilgrims have died this year due to oxygen shortage, landslides and falling rocks. Additional District Magistrate, Bharmaur, Kuldeep Singh Rana, said that in view of the rains and landslides, the Manimahesh Yatra has been suspended. Due to the heavy rains, normal life was disrupted across the state, prompting authorities to close schools and colleges in eight of 12 districts. All government and private educational institutes, including schools and colleges (except the residential ones), were shut in Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Mandi, Kangra, Kullu, Chamba, Una and Solan districts. As a precautionary measure, all government and private educational and technical institutes, colleges, universities and anganwadis (except residential ones) will remain closed on Monday, stated the order issued by Kangra Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa. Meanwhile, 685 roads, including three national highways, remained closed for traffic. Out of these, 321 were blocked in Mandi district, 102 in adjoining Kullu and 82 in Chamba. National highway-3 (Mandi-Dharampur road), NH-154 (Mandi-Jogindernagar road) and NH-305 (Aut-Sainj) were also closed, according to the State Emergency Operation Centre. Additionally, 533 power supply transformers and 168 water supply schemes have been disrupted in the state. Between June 20 and August 24, at least 155 people have died in Himachal Pradesh in rain-related incidents, while 37 remain missing. The state has witnessed 77 flash floods, 40 cloudbursts and 80 major landslides so far. Losses due to rain-related incidents have been pegged at Rs 2,348 crore, according to the SEOC. The local meteorological office sounded a red alert predicting intense spells of rain at isolated places in Kangra and Chamba districts and urged people to stay cautious. The MeT also issued an orange warning of heavy to very heavy rain for isolated parts of the state and a yellow alert of heavy rain across Himachal till August 31. There were also reports of the season's first snow at Shipkila in the higher reaches of Lahaul and Spiti district. Thunderstorms lashed Shimla, Sundernagar, Kangra, Palampur, Jot, Murari Devi and Bhuntar, the MeT said. The state received 703.7 mm of average rainfall during the current monsoon season (June 1 to August 25) against an average of 577.9 mm an excess of 22 per cent. In August alone, the state has so far recorded 44 per cent excess rain.
Several regions, including Punjab's Pathankot, Chamoli district in Uttarakhand, and multiple districts of Himachal Pradesh, experienced continuous rainfall, forcing schools to remain shut on August 25, Monday.
Heavy rains in Punjab's Pathankot; Holiday declared in educational institutions
Due to relentless rainfall, the Pathankot district administration has announced a holiday for all educational institutions. Villages near the India-Pakistan border are grappling with rising water levels in the Ujh and Ravi rivers, exacerbated by heavy rains in neighboring Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh.
Heavy Rains In Punjabs Pathankot; Holiday Declared In Educational Institutions
Chandigarh, Aug 25: The Pathankot district administration on Monday declared a holiday in all educational institutions in the wake of incessant rains, officials said. Several villages near the India-Pakistan border in Pathankot district of Punjab have been affected after the water level in Ujh, Ravi rivers and rivulets rose following heavy rains in Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. Keeping in mind the continuous rains in Pathankot district, a holiday is declared in all government/non-government schools, colleges and other educational [] The post Heavy Rains In Punjabs Pathankot; Holiday Declared In Educational Institutions appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Heavy rain creates flood like situation in Jammu; bridge damaged on NH in Kathua, traffic diverted
45 IIIM inmates rescued from submerged hostel, 300 saved in Basohli Flood water enters many localities, damages public property Gopal Sharma JAMMU/ SRINAGAR, Aug 24: Heavy rain wrecked havoc in Jammu, creating flood- like situation in many areas, causing damage to the public property while a bridge over Sahar Khud on Jammu-Pathankote National Highway near Kathua was extensively damaged due to flash flood today. The massive flashflood also posed threat to the northern embankment/first pillar of the second bridge also [] The post Heavy rain creates flood like situation in Jammu; bridge damaged on NH in Kathua, traffic diverted appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Heavy rains trigger floods in J&K, Jammu-Ptk bridge damaged
IIIM students evacuated after floodwaters inundate hostel ground floor Jammu Tawi: Heavy rains battered most parts ofJammu and Kashmirovernight, triggering flood-like situation in several low-lying areas and causing damage to a vital bridge on the Jammu-Pathankot national highway, officials said. Jammurecorded 190.4 mm rainfall in the past 24 hours ending8.30 am, the second-highest downpour this [] The post Heavy rains trigger floods in J&K, Jammu-Ptk bridge damaged appeared first on Northlines .
Torrential Rains Trigger Flood-Like Situation In J&K, Bridge On Jammu-Pathankot Highway Damaged
Jammu recorded 190.4 mm rainfall in the past 24 hours ending 8.30 am, the second-highest downpour this month in a century.
Heavy overnight rains lashed Jammu and Kashmir, submerging low-lying areas, damaging infrastructure and triggering flood-like conditions, officials said on Saturday. Jammu city received 190.4 mm rainfall in 24 hours, the second-highest downpour for August in a century.
Torrential Rains Batter J&K, Bridge Snapped on Jammu-Pathankot Highway
Jammu/Srinagar, Aug 24: Heavy overnight rains battered wide parts of Jammu and Kashmir, bringing normal life to a standstill, flooding low-lying areas, damaging property, and snapping road connectivity at several places. Officials said Jammu recorded 190.4 mm rainfall in the past 24 hours ending 8:30 am the second-highest August rainfall in nearly a century, [] The post Torrential Rains Batter J&K, Bridge Snapped on Jammu-Pathankot Highway appeared first on Northlines .
Heavy Rains Pound Wide Parts Of J&K, Bridge Damaged On Jammu-Pathankot Highway
Jammu/Srinagar, Aug 24: Heavy rains battered most parts of Jammu and Kashmir overnight, triggering flood-like situation in several low-lying areas and causing damage to a vital bridge on the Jammu-Pathankot national highway, officials said. The winter capital Jammu recorded 190.4 mm rainfall in the past 24 hours ending 8.30 am, the second-highest downpour this month in a century. The highest rainfall for August remains 228.6 mm, logged on August 5, 1926 while the previous second-highest was 189.6 mm on August [] The post Heavy Rains Pound Wide Parts Of J&K, Bridge Damaged On Jammu-Pathankot Highway appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
1 Dead, 39 Injured As Bus Carrying Vaishno Devi Pilgrims Falls In J&K Gorge
A bus carrying pilgrims to the cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi skidded off the Jammu-Pathankot highway and fell into a gorge in Jammu and Kashmir's Samba district on Thursday, leaving one person dead and 39 others injured, officials said.
A devastating cloudburst in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district has claimed seven lives, triggering landslides and flash floods. The deluge washed away roads, damaged homes, and disrupted train services on the Jammu-Pathankot line. Rescue operations are underway, with the Army, NDRF, and SDRF assisting victims.
Punjabs Rs 12,700 crore NH projects stalled; Rs 828 crore PMGSY road works scrapped over delays
CHANDIGARH: Multiple key road infrastructure projects in Punjab including major national highway developments and those under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-III (PMGSY), are facing serious setbacks, with no clear timeline for completion. As many as sixteen national highway projects worth 12,700 crore, being implemented by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Punjab Public Works Department (PWD), have either been stalled, significantly delayed, or face termination. The primary reasons cited are land acquisition hurdles and delays in obtaining statutory clearances. Simultaneously, rural road development has also taken a hit. Projects under PMGSY-III worth 828.87 crore, involving the upgradation of 64 roads and construction of 38 bridges, have been scrapped due to the state governments failure to float tenders and commence construction on time. Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, in a written reply to Congress MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, confirmed that eight projects are being executed by NHAI and another eight by the state PWD, all of which have encountered delays or stoppages. Projects in the state of Punjab are mainly delayed, stalled, or terminated due to land acquisition issues and delay in obtaining statutory clearances. The government is taking requisite measures, in consultation with stakeholders including the state government, to resolve these issues, the Minister stated in Parliament. Key Affected Projects Under NHAI DelhiAmritsarKatra Expressway (Spur-II): 30.5 km stretch worth 2,197.17 crore terminated due to lack of land; fresh bids to be invited once land is acquired. DelhiAmritsarKatra Expressway (Spur-III): 28.07 km stretch worth 1,951.70 crore delayed, now scheduled for completion by 30 November 2026. AmritsarBathinda (Package-I): 39 km project worth 1,229.38 crore, originally set to finish by November 2024, now delayed until 31 December 2026. AmritsarGhomanTandaUna (Package-I): 45.73 km stretch worth 1,443.47 crore also delayed, with a new completion target of 30 June 2026. Package-II of this corridor (31.05 km, 818.41 crore) has been terminated due to land issues. The LudhianaRupnagar corridor has also been severely affected: Package-I (37.7 km, 1,368.91 crore): Work halted after the contractor issued a termination notice over delayed land handover; matter is under review by a Conciliation Committee. Package-II (47.24 km, 1,488.23 crore): Terminated for similar reasons; re-tendering will occur post land possession. Projects Delayed Under Punjab PWD JalandharHoshiarpur (NH-3, 39.13 km): Sanctioned for 1,069.59 crore, awarded in 2017, now facing termination due to persistent land acquisition delays. Widening of a 3.57 km stretch of same highway (15.04 crore): Facing right-of-way constraints; revised completion date: 30 November 2025. MakhuArifke (NH-703A, 24.6 km): Worth 192.48 crore, including two ROBs, now rescheduled to finish by 31 December 2025 (original deadline was May 2021). ROB at Fazilka (NH-07, 38.02 crore): Delayed due to pending railway clearances, now progressing with a target completion date of 31 October 2025. ArifkeFerozepurMuktsarMalout (NH-354, 63.27 km, 263.19 crore): Delayed due to NOCs from the Irrigation Department and land issues. Muktsar SahibMalout section (27.66 km, 152.58 crore): Toll plaza construction stalled; PWD advised to redesign within available land. PMGSY Projects Worth 828 Crore Scrapped Road and bridge projects sanctioned under PMGSY-III have been scrapped due to the Punjab governments inability to initiate work before the required deadline of 31 March. The Centre had sanctioned 64 rural roads (628.48 km) and 38 bridges (each over 15 metres in length) for a total of 828.87 crore. Some of these were located in sensitive border districts such as Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Pathankot, and Tarn Taran. In correspondence with the Union Ministry of Rural Development, Punjabs PWD stated that many of these roads were recommended for urgent repairs by Members of Parliament and were of utmost importance. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann also wrote to Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan requesting reconsideration, stating that without these bridges, the completed roads would be of little use. However, the Centre responded that only projects tendered and already under construction by the original March 2025 deadline now extended to March 2026 would be allowed to continue. Works which have started on the ground but are not feasible to continue further shall be foreclosed, the Ministry clarified. Sources revealed that 59 of the roadworks were to be implemented using Full Depth Reclamation (FDR) technology, for which very few consultancy firms in India have adequate expertise another contributing factor to the delays. With Punjabs road infrastructure plans facing widespread disruption, the delays pose serious questions over administrative efficiency, land management, and inter-agency coordination at both the state and central levels.
CHANDIGARH: Punjab has recorded a staggering rise of more than one lakh dog bite cases in the last five years, with daily averages now touching 882 incidents. The state, which has around 6.5 lakh dogs, including over three lakh stray dogs, has witnessed a sharp increase in cases, with officials warning of the public health risks. In the first seven months of this year alone, a total of 1.88 lakh dog bite cases have been reported, while last years total stood at 2.13 lakh. The worst affected districts are Jalandhar, Ludhiana and Patiala. As per the official data accessed by this newspaper from the state health department, between January and July this year, Amritsar district recorded the highest number of cases at 29,504, followed by Ludhiana (21,777), Patiala (14,120), Jalandhar (12,349), Hoshiarpur (10,920) and SAS Nagar (9,860). There has been a steady jump in incidents over the past five years, 1.10 lakh cases in 2020, 1.26 lakh in 2021, 1.65 lakh in 2022, 2.02 lakh in 2023, and 2.13 lakh in 2024, reflecting a rise of more than one lakh cases during the period. This year, three deaths have been reported. Last month, a mother and daughter allegedly died of rabies in Pathankot, and on July 17, a 32-year-old man succumbed in Patiala after being bitten by a stray dog. An analysis of data from 2020 to 2024 shows Jalandhar district has recorded the highest total of 1.12 lakh cases over the four years, followed by Ludhiana (99,678), Patiala (63,782), Hoshiarpur (56,113), SAS Nagar (55,286) and Amritsar (44,249). Stray dogs in Delhi: SC slams local authorities for inaction, reserves order According to the 2019 animal census conducted by the state animal husbandry department, there were 2.90 lakh stray dogs and 3.32 lakh pet dogs in Punjab. The latest animal census has been completed this year but is yet to be notified. There has been an increase of 5 per cent in the dog population in the state after the last census, said an official. Punjab Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh said vaccination for dog bites is available at all community health centres (CHCs) and treatment has now been extended to all Aam Aadmi Clinics across the state. The people should immediately rush to the nearest government health centres for treatment, which is free, and should not ignore it at all, he added. The health department is yet to issue standard operating procedures (SOPs) for government doctors, whose diagnosis will determine compensation for dog bite cases. Although SOPs have been formulated, they have not been circulated. A five-member committee was constituted following an order from the Punjab and Haryana High Court last year, which announced compensation of Rs 10,000 for each tooth mark and Rs 20,000 for every 0.2 cm of wound where the flesh is torn off, said sources. A veterinary expert said that in 50 per cent of dog bite cases, the culprit is a pet dog biting its owner or someone else, not a stray. However, the general perception remains that stray dogs are primarily responsible. Sources added that the animal birth control (ABC) programme to sterilise dogs has been outsourced to private agencies by most municipalities under the local bodies department, but it has not achieved the desired results, particularly in major cities. Sterilisation is the only scientific method to control the stray dog population and thus, in turn, can reduce dog bite incidents, said a senior officer on condition of anonymity. It was also pointed out that there are few dog shelters in large municipalities across the state for post-animal care under the birth control set-up, and no dedicated dog pounds exist.
Gauge conversion of Pathankot-Jogindernagar heritage rail line under survey: Vaishnaw
DHARAMSHALA (HP), Aug 11 : The historic 200-kilometre-long Pathankot-Jogindernagar narrow-gauge railway line, a heritage marvel of the Kangra Valley, is set for modernisation with efforts underway to convert it to broad gauge. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, in a response to Rajya Sabha MP Indu Bala Goswami, informed that the survey work for the gauge conversion is currently in progress. A Detailed Project Report (DPR) is being prepared and will be shared with the Himachal Pradesh government once completed for [] The post Gauge conversion of Pathankot-Jogindernagar heritage rail line under survey: Vaishnaw appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
PM flags off Katra-Amritsar Vande Bharat after freight train arrives in Anantnag
NEW DELHI: A day after the first freight train arrived in south Kashmirs Anantnag district from Punjab, PM Narendra Modi flagged off the Amritsar-Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Vande Bharat Express train virtually from Bengaluru. The trains will boost tourism, commerce and connectivity, the PM said. The high-speed Vande Bharat train is expected to significantly enhance regional connectivity, reduce travel time and provide a world-class travel experience to the passengers. Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu said the new high-speed train will not only facilitate spiritual travel for devotees but will also boost tourism and trade between Katra and Amritsar. He emphasised that the modern and comfortable travel experience offered by the Vande Bharat will benefit passengers travelling to and from the region. The passengers boarding from Pathankot, Jalandhar and Beas would also benefit. The high-speed train would operate six days a week, excluding Tuesdays. The new Amritsar-Katra Vande Bharat Express, launched today, will depart Katra at 6.40am and reach Amritsar by 12.20pm, stopping at Jammu Tawi, Pathankot Cantt, Jalandhar City, and Beas. The return journey leaves Amritsar at 4.25pm and arrives in Katra by 10pm, allowing same-day round trips for pilgrims and tourists. Equipped with modern features like automatic doors, onboard Wi-Fi, infotainment screens, reclining seats, bio-vacuum toilets, GPS tracking, and the Kavach safety system, the train ensures both comfort and safety. With this launch, Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir now each have five Vande Bharat trains (10 services in total). Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, while expressing gratitude to PM Modi, said the new Vande Bharat train will ensure ease of travel for devotees of Mata Vaishno Devi and spur the growth momentum of the local economy. The freight train has arrived at the right time. It will help in the timely delivery of horticulture produce from Kashmir, KCCI president Javed Ahmed Tenga said.
PM Modi to flag off Katra-Amritsar Vande Bharat train today
New Delhi, Aug 9: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually flag off Vande Bharat Train tomorrow between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Railway Station of Jammu Division of Northern Railway and Amritsar Railway Station of Ferozepur Division via Jammu-Pathankot-Jalandhar Vyas, officials here today said. The train service will be connecting two religious towns of Amritsar [] The post PM Modi to flag off Katra-Amritsar Vande Bharat train today appeared first on Northlines .
HC orders 4-week interim stay on Punjab land pooling policy; seeks clarity on rehab provisions
CHANDIGARH: The Punjab and Haryana High Court has put a four-week interim stay on the implementation of the controversial land pooling policy of the Punjab Government. The court made clear its intent to stay the policy after the government refused to withdraw it. The division bench of Justice Anupinder Grewal and Justice Deepak Manchanda also gave the state four weeks time after hearing detailed arguments for about two hours. We will stay the policy and give you time to address the concerns, the court said. The state has also been directed to inform the court whether a social impact assessment was carried out before notifying the policy. The court reiterated its concerns regarding the lack of provision for the rehabilitation of landless labourers and others dependent on land for their sustenance. It also questioned the government for not conducting the compulsory social impact assessment before identifying the land to be acquired. Earlier, the petitioner Gurdeep Singh Gill had contended that the policy was an act of colourable legislation, allegedly framed under a Central law that contained no enabling provision for such a scheme. His counsel Gurjeet Singh Gill, Manan Kheterpal, Manat Kaur, Rahul Jadge, and Rajat Verma also sought directions for quashing the notification and the policy as ultra vires, arbitrary, and violative of Articles 14, 19(1)(g), and 21 read with Article 300-A of the Constitution. After the hearing, Gurjeet Singh, lawyer of Gill, said that neither a social impact assessment nor any environment-related assessment was carried out under the land pooling policy. That no such social impact assessment report was either prepared or published, as per the provisions of law. Moreover, none of the gram panchayats or gram sabhas were approached or consulted by the respondents before bringing the Land Pooling Policy 2025, which is a clear disregard of the provisions mandated under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, said the petition. It further added that since there was no such provision of law under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, to frame the Land Pooling Policy 2025, there lies no mechanism or forum to challenge such a policy and the petitioner is left with no remedy to redress his grievance. On August 6, the court asked the Punjab government whether there was any provision in the policy for the rehabilitation of landless labourers for their sustenance. The Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab government has been facing flak from opposition parties and various farmer unions, which have termed the policy a looting scheme to rob the farmers of their fertile land. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) announced a state-wide yatra titled Save Land, Save Farmers, from August 17 to September 5. BJPs state Vice President Kewal Singh Dhillon said that during this yatra, BJP Punjab will go village-to-village creating awareness among farmers against this scheme and mobilising them. Backlash grows over Punjab's land pooling policy as AAP faces internal revolt in CM Manns constituency It will meet the farmers who are already aware and struggling, and standing shoulder-to-shoulder, will support them, he said. The yatra will kick off on August 17 from Patiala and pass through villages in the Malwa, Majha, and Doaba regions affected by the land pooling plan, culminating in Pathankot on September 5. Also, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has announced the launch of an indefinite Morcha from September 1. Party President Sukhbir Singh Badal said that the Morcha is dedicated to safeguarding Punjabs farmers, khet mazdoor, traders, and other sections of Punjabi society. He also announced that the party was unanimous in its decision to revoke the land pooling scheme after taking over the reins of the state in 2027, in case the AAP government persisted with its nefarious designs. We will hand over the entire acquired land back to the farmers after forming a special law for the purpose, in the same manner in which the land on which the Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) canal was handed back to the original owners by Parkash Singh Badal in 2016, he said. Badal will lead the first Jatha on September 1 from Amb Sahib Gurudwara in Mohali and march to the new Sheesh Mahal at the nearby Panchayat Bhawan. Party workers from each constituency in Punjab will subsequently participate in a continuous dharna and march from the same site in Jathas of 500 persons each, indefinitely, till the AAP government revokes the land pooling scheme. A three-member coordinating committee comprising Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema, N. K. Sharma, and Mohali district president Parminder Singh Sohana has also been formed for this purpose. Punjabs land pooling policy challenged in High Court as activists flag environmental concern
Punjab Vigilance Bureau busts fake heavy driving licence issuance racket
CHANDIGARH: The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) has unearthed a major corruption racket involving the issuance of fake heavy vehicle driving licences. It exposed a nexus between officials of the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) Gurdaspur, the State Institute of Automobile and Driving Skills Centre (SIADS) Mahuana, in Mukatsar Sahib district and private document agents operating in Gurdaspur district. In this case, the VB has registered a corruption case against seven accused out of which four accused, including the Motor Vehicle Inspector (MVI) have been arrested. An official of the vigilance bureau said acting on a complaint received from a resident of Pathankot, the Bureau has launched an in-depth probe against Pratibha Sharma, a Data Entry Operator at RTA Gurdaspur. Following investigations, an FIR No. 32 dated August 4 was registered at VB Police Station, Amritsar range, under relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act, IPC, and IT Act. He further added that the verification revealed that 23 out of 51 driving training certificates purportedly issued by the SIADS centre Mahuana, were found to be fake, as only 27 legitimate certificate numbers were on record. Crucially, system-generated fields like the unique certificate number, QR code and embedded mobile number within the receipt number could only be altered by institute officials, making these vital markers of authenticity. Any mismatch among these parameters confirmed fraudulent creation, the official added. The official further said that the investigation pointed to the role of private agents including Kulbir Documents Centre, Shelly Documents Center, GMD Documents Centre, and Punjab Documents, in sourcing applicants and facilitating forged documentation in exchange for bribes. Financial trails showed direct payments from these agents into the bank accounts of Rakesh Kumar, a former RTA Data Entry Operator now posted at SDM Office Batala and Pratibha Sharma. Sukhdev Singh, Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) Instructor and GI Driving In-charge at SIADS Mahuana, misused his access to the system to generate fake certificates, causing direct financial loss to the state exchequer by illegally claiming Rs. 430 government fee per certificate. The VB has arrested four key accused: Sukhdev Singh, MVI and GI driving in-charge SIADS centre, who is a resident of Maidowal Kalan village in Gurdaspur, Amit Kumar alias Shelly of Shelly Documents Centre, Jagpreet Singh of Punjab Documents and Rakesh Kumar, currently posted in Batala. Raids are being conducted to arrest the remaining accused, Kulbir Singh of Kulbir Documents Centre, Rakesh Kumar of GMD Documents Centre and Pratibha Sharma of RTA Gurdaspur. All arrested individuals would be presented before the competent court tomorrow. Further investigation into this case was under progress, he added.
New Delhi-Katra Vande Bharat: The Train For Your Next Vaishno Devi Visit | Complete Guide
New Delhi-Katra Vande Bharat: The cities connected by the services are New Delhi, Ambala, Ludhiana, Pathankot, Udhampur, Kathua, Jammu Tawi, and Katra
Security forces launch search operation in Kathua after movement of terrorists
SRINAGAR: Security forces have launched a massive search operation in the border area of Jammu and Kashmir Kathua district after suspicious movement of three suspected persons was detected. Sources said a joint contingent of Army, police and paramilitary forces launched a search operation in the Bhambada area of Hira Nagar sub-division near the Ujh River in the Rajbagh police station area of Kathua district late on Monday. The search operation was launched after a woman informed the security officials that she saw three armed persons moving in the area, they said. Without taking any chances, the security forces were conducting massive search operations. They were thoroughly conducting the searches to ensure that no one was hiding in the area. Every nook and corner of the area was being searched. No contact has been established and nothing incriminating has been recovered from the area during the operation, a source said. They said, considering the sensitivity of the area due to its connection with the Srinagar-Jammu national highway and the Pathankote highway, security forces were searching every inch of the land. Sources said security forces also pressed drones and other surveillance gadgets for aerial surveillance during the operation. They have also increased patrolling and vigil on the Srinagar-Jammu and Kathua-Pathankote highways. Given the Amarnath yatra, security arrangements on the two key highways in J&K have been beefed up. Over 3.70 lakh pilgrims have paid obeisance at the cave shrine in south Kashmir Himalayas since the start of the yatraon July 3. After many encounters and terrorist attacks in the Jammu region, including in Kathua in the last few years, security forces have increased deployment and vigil in the entire Jammu region, especially in the border districts and border areas, where there are chances of infiltration.
Amit Shah must take responsibility for 'security lapse' at Pahalgam: Mallikarjun Kharge in RS
NEW DELHI: Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday said Home Minister Amit Shah must take responsibility for the security lapse that led to the Pahalgam terror attack, demanding that accountability be fixed and whosoever is responsible should quit. Participating in the Special discussion on India's strong, successful and decisive 'Operation Sindoor' in response to terrorist attack in Pahalgam in the Rajya Sabha, he attacked the government citing Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha's statement admitting to the security lapses that led to the terror attack. Kharge also questioned the silence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on US President Donald Trump's repeated claims of mediation and brokering a ceasefire with Pakistan, and asked whether India had accepted a third-party mediation with Pakistan. India's strategic interests were not secured despite Howdy Modi, Namaste Trump, because nobody stood by you despite such deep friendship. No country, not even the US openly condemned Pakistan. This shows nobody supported you..., Kharge said. He asked why India did not object to economic packages for Pakistan by the World Bank and the IMF. The leader of opposition posed four questions to the government, asking why India accepted a ceasefire even when Pakistan was on the backfoot and what are the terms of the ceasefire. He also asked whether US intervened during Operation Sindoor and at whose behest was that done. The Congress president asked whether the operation against Pakistan was halted on the threat of trade, as claimed by Trump repeatedly. Did the US president broker this ceasefire as he is repeatedly claiming, and if so, isn't this against India's no-third party mediation policy?, Kharge said. 'If you have courage': Rahul challenges PM Modi to reject Trump's ceasefire claims in LS Kharge said the government should release a report on the Pahalgam terror attack, as was done after the Kargil war. The Congress president took a jibe at PM Narendra Modi's unscheduled visit to Pakistan in 2015, and said foreign policy is not 'event-baazi', urging the government to formulate a proper policy. Here we (Congress) criticise (Pakistan) and there you go to their daawat and embrace them, Kharge said, using the term Vishwa Guru without naming the PM. Kharge questioned the prime minister's silence when BJP MPs and ministers insult the country's armed forces, and also criticised the BJP for eulogising prime minister Modi and treating him like God, noting that democratically-elected people should be respected but should not be equated to God. He said the government has not drawn any lessons from the repeated terror attacks that have taken place in Kashmir and other parts of the country. Uri and Pathankot terrorist attacks in 2016, Pulwama in 2019 and now Pahalgam in 2025. All these incidents make it clear that there is a recurring intelligence failure and failure in national security, said Kharge. He then posed direct questions to Amit Shah, I would like to ask the home minister, who is responsible for this?... What did you do to rectify the mistake?... I would like to ask the home minister, that who is responsible for this? Vacate your post if you are. If no, what action is the PM taking? Demanding accountability, Kharge said the government should admit its 'lapses' and 'failure' in stopping terror attacks. He asked if Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor's statement on security lapses was aimed at saving the home minister. Jammu Kashmir LG Manoj Sinha himself admitted that Pahalgam was a security lapse and what happened in Pahalgam was unfortunate, innocent people were brutally killed. (Sinha said) I take all responsibility for the incident. However, the home minister must take responsibility for security lapse not the LG, Kharge said. He asked when the accountability will be fixed and also accused the Modi govt of being arrogant, and not responding to letters by opposition. Kharge also questioned how terrorists were able to carry out the Pahalgam attack after entering India, while citing claims of the government that terrorist infrastructure has been crippled in the country. Citing media reports, the Congress president said even as the prime minister was silent, three key security officials made important disclosures. He referred to reports quoting Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan in Singapore saying actical mistakes were made during the first two days of the operation, and sought to know the government's views regarding it. Kharge further cited a report quoting the defence attache in Indonesia as saying that political constraints hampered military decision-making. He said if no Indian fighter jet has been downed, the prime minister should tell the country. He further asked why the prime minister is silent on Trump's claim on ceasefire and the media reports about downed fighter jets. Kharge asked if there was any intelligence about the terror attack in Pahalgam, as Prime Minister Modi cancelled his scheduled visit to Kashmir three days before the attack. Was there intelligence about an attack? If so, why were tourists and pilgrims allowed? the Congress chief asked. He claimed that the government failed to take adequate steps to protect Indians living along border from Pakistan shelling during Operation Sindoor. Kharge said the government should find and eradicate remaining terrorists behind Pahalgam attack. Kharge said the prime minister should have been present at all-party meet instead of campaigning in Bihar, and questioned Modi's sincerity towards national security. Why was PM Modi not present. Where was he? We attend the meeting (on Pahalgam) while the PM does campaigning in Bihar. Is this your (PM's) patriotism?. He (PM) should have sat in both the Houses (of Parliament) today and heard. If you do not have the ability to listen, you are not worthy of occupying that Chair, Kharge said. Nadda irked over Kharge's remarks on PM Modi in RS, says he is 'losing mental balance'; later apologises The Congress president said not a single public sector defence company came up during the present government's rule, while highlighting his party's contribution towards building the nation. Aapne sirf Jhooth ke Karkhaane banaaye lekin public sector (defence PSU) aapne nahin banaaye. Aur wahi public sector ki kahani aap yahan bataa rahe. HAL, BEL which we established ... People are clapping when (govt) they criticise Nehru ji... You do not achieve anything by insulting anyone. Tell the truth, listen to the truth, only then something will come out of this, the Kharge said. He stated that INDIA parties stood strongly behind armed forces action in Operation Sindoor, unanimously lauded them and supported the government in the national interest.
Himachal rains: Three dead, one injured as sudden downpour triggers flood in Mandi
CHANDIGARH: At least three people have died and one injured missing in Mandi town of Himachal Pradesh due to heavy rain overnight. More than 20 vehicles have been submerged and around two dozen houses partially damaged; the Chandigarh-Manali national highway, Chandigarh-Dharamsala, Mandi-Pathankot and Shimla-Mataur highways have been blocked. Sources said that a flash flood struck Mandi district early Tuesday morning. Four members of a family had reportedly come out of their house in the wee hours to shift their vehicle to a safer place, but were swept away in the sudden flood; three have been confirmed dead, while one person suffered a fracture and has been admitted to a local hospital. The incident occured on Jail Road Tungal colony in Mandi town as Sukati nullah overflowed due to sudden heavy rains and caused widespread destruction. The water entered several locations in about five-kilometer area besides the Jail Road, Saini Mohalla and Zonal hospital area. The flashflood washed away dozens of parked vehicles, while muck and debris entered homes and damaged property. Locals were caught off guard by the sudden rise in water levels. Rescue and relief operations are ongoing; teams of SDRF, volunteers and district administration are engaged in clearing debris and are trying to locate the missing person. Deputy Commissioner of Mandi, Apoorva Devgan said that rescue operations are in full swing and about 15 to 20 people have been rescued. The victims were attempting to move their vehicles to safer locations when they were washed away along with their vehicles. The body of one person was found stuck in an auto-rickshaw, he added. Devgan said that more than dozen people trapped inside their houses were rescued. The rescue teams had to break window panes and doors to rescue them as their houses were filled with mud and silt, he said. The flash floods triggered landslides, blocking the Chandigarh-Manali NH at multiple points, specifically at 4 Miles, 9 Miles near Pandoh and Dwada. Also, the Mandi-Pathankot highway is blocked due to a landslide at the Lavandi Bridge near Jogindernagar. Many other interior roads in the district have also been blocked due to landslides and water-logging. A massive landslide triggered by incessant rains blocked the National Highway near Kangra, cutting off the only main road access to Dharamsala, McLeodganj and surrounding areas. Landslides also blocked the Shimla-Mataur National Highway at Old Kangra Ghat and reports of uprooting of trees and electricity have also poured from several parts of the state. The Met office had issued an orange alert of heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated areas of Kangra, Mandi and Kullu districts on Tuesday. It also issued a yellow warning of heavy rains at isolated places in Chamba, Shimla and Sirmaur districts on Tuesday, and Una, Kangra, Mandi and Kullu districts on Wednesday. Since the start of the monsoon season this year from June 20 till July 28, the hill state has suffered a loss of Rs 1523 crore. So far 90 people have died and 35 have gone missing in rain-related incidents and 1320 houses have been fully or partially damaged in the state. A total of 200 roads, including 121 in the disaster-hit Mandi district, were closed for vehicular traffic on Monday night. 62 power distribution transformers and 110 water supply schemes have also been affected across the state, as per the State Emergency Operation Centre. Himachal seeks urgent Central aid as rain-triggered disasters cause Rs 883 crore loss, 109 deaths
Himachal rains: Two dead, one missing as sudden downpour triggers flood in Mandi
CHANDIGARH: At least three people have died and one person has gone missing in Mandi town of Himachal Pradesh due to heavy rain overnight. More than 20 vehicles have been submerged and around two dozen houses partially damaged; the Chandigarh-Manali national highway, Chandigarh-Dharamsala, Mandi-Pathankot and Shimla-Mataur highways have been blocked. Sources said that a flash flood struck Mandi district early Tuesday morning. Four members of a family had reportedly come out of their house in the wee hours to shift their vehicle to a safer place, but were swept away in the sudden flood; the bodies of two persons were recovered, one person is missing, while another person suffered a fracture and has been admitted to a local hospital. The incident occured on Jail Road Tungal colony in Mandi town as Sukati nullah overflowed due to sudden heavy rains and caused widespread destruction. The water entered several locations in about five-kilometer area besides the Jail Road, Saini Mohalla and Zonal hospital area. The flashflood washed away dozens of parked vehicles, while muck and debris entered homes and damaged property. Locals were caught off guard by the sudden rise in water levels. Rescue and relief operations are ongoing; teams of SDRF, volunteers and district administration are engaged in clearing debris and are trying to locate the missing person. Deputy Commissioner of Mandi, Apoorva Devgan said that rescue operations are in full swing and about 15 to 20 people have been rescued, while one missing person is yet to be located. The victims were attempting to move their vehicles to safer locations when they were washed away along with their vehicles. The body of one person was found stuck in an auto-rickshaw, he added. Devgan said that more than dozen people trapped inside their houses were rescued. The rescue teams had to break window panes and doors to rescue them as their houses were filled with mud and silt, he said. The flash floods triggered landslides, blocking the Chandigarh-Manali NH at multiple points, specifically at 4 Miles, 9 Miles near Pandoh and Dwada. Also, the Mandi-Pathankot highway is blocked due to a landslide at the Lavandi Bridge near Jogindernagar. Many other interior roads in the district have also been blocked due to landslides and water-logging. A massive landslide triggered by incessant rains blocked the National Highway near Kangra, cutting off the only main road access to Dharamsala, McLeodganj and surrounding areas. Landslides also blocked the Shimla-Mataur National Highway at Old Kangra Ghat and reports of uprooting of trees and electricity have also poured from several parts of the state. The Met office had issued an orange alert of heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated areas of Kangra, Mandi and Kullu districts on Tuesday. It also issued a yellow warning of heavy rains at isolated places in Chamba, Shimla and Sirmaur districts on Tuesday, and Una, Kangra, Mandi and Kullu districts on Wednesday. Since the start of the monsoon season this year from June 20 till July 28, the hill state has suffered a loss of Rs 1523 crore. So far 90 people have died and 35 have gone missing in rain-related incidents and 1320 houses have been fully or partially damaged in the state. A total of 200 roads, including 121 in the disaster-hit Mandi district, were closed for vehicular traffic on Monday night. 62 power distribution transformers and 110 water supply schemes have also been affected across the state, as per the State Emergency Operation Centre. Himachal seeks urgent Central aid as rain-triggered disasters cause Rs 883 crore loss, 109 deaths
CHANDIGARH: The Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab government and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the apex representative body of Sikhs, are at daggers drawn over events planned to commemorate the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur from November 19 to 25 this year. SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami said that the Punjab government should focus on establishing meaningful memorials in connection with the 350th martyrdom anniversary of the Ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Teg Bahadar, instead of creating a confrontational atmosphere by organising parallel religious events. Dhami said the SGPC had already planned a series of events related 350th martyrdom anniversary a year in advance, beginning in April 2025 from Gurdwara Guru Ke Mahal, Amritsar. Since then, events have been organised across various parts of the country. He said that the Punjab governments announcement of parallel eventsoverlapping with those planned by the SGPC at Anandpur Sahibwill cause confusion among the Sangat (community) and goes against long-standing traditions He alleged that the government appears to be deliberately trying to sideline Sikh institutions. Historically, centenary celebrations related to Sikh heritage and history have been led by the Khalsa Panth, with participation from all Sikh sampradas and organisations while the governments supporting them. Dhami questioned why the government has not shown due seriousness towards nearly 12 Sikh centenaries during its tenureincluding the centenary of the Guru Ka Bagh Morcha, the centenary of the Saka Panja Sahib, 200 years of Shaheedi of Akali Baba Phoola Singh, Guru Angad Devs Guruship Day, and the 450th Jyoti Jot Diwas of Guru Amar Das. He recalled how earlier governments cooperated with the Panth in marking the centenaries, establishing major memorials such as Guru Nanak Dev University, Guru Nanak Hospital (Amritsar), and colleges during Guru Nanak Devs 500th Prakash Purab (birth anniversary) in 1969; Virasat-e-Khalsa and Panj Piara Park during the 300th Khalsa Sajna Diwas in 1999 and a historical memorial at Chappar Chiri in 2010 in remembrance of Baba Banda Singh Bahadars victory at Sirhind. However, the current government led by Bhagwant Mann is instead interfering in the jurisdiction of Panthic institutions and organizations, he alleged. Dhami reaffirmed that the SGPC, as the supreme religious body of the Sikh Panth, has already made clear that heads of all governments will be invited to participate in these commemorations, ensuring inclusivity. In such a context, the government's move to announce parallel programs raises serious concerns. Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday had announced a series of events to be organised by the state government to commemorate the 350th martyrdom day of Guru Tegh Bahadur. After chairing a meeting, Mann said the events would primarily be held at Anandpur Sahib under the aegis of the state government . He had said that from November 19 to November 25, a series of events will beorganised with deep reverence and respect across the state. In a statement, Mann said these events will primarily take place in Anandpur Sahib under the auspices of the state government. To mark the occasion, CM Mann announced that four grand yatras will begin from different corners of Punjab and converge at Anandpur Sahib. The first will begin on November 21 from Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir and pass through Pathankot and Hoshiarpur to reach Anandpur Sahib. Likewise, CM Mann said that the second yatra will start from Gurdaspur and travel through Baba Bakala, Amritsar Sahib, Tarn Taran, and Jalandhar, eventually reaching Anandpur Sahib. He said the third yatra will start from Ferozepur, pass through Moga and Ludhiana to proceed towards Anandpur Sahib and the fourth yatra will also start from Ferozepur and will pass through Faridkot, Bathinda, Barnala, Sangrur, Mansa, and Patiala, and conclude at Anandpur Sahib. The CM had added that light-and-sound shows and poetry sessions based on Guru Sahib's life and sacrifice would be organised in all 23 districts of Punjab. Blaming the SGPCs stance, Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said, You know the reasons. They do not want to meet us. Through you, we are extending an invitation to them. They can call us or approach the state government.
114-year-old Fauja Singh, worlds oldest marathoner cremated with state honours in Punjab
CHANDIGARH: The 114-year-old Fauja Singh, the worlds oldest marathoner, was cremated today with state honours at his native village Beas, near Jalandhar. The Punjab Government has decided to rename the school in his village after him, besides installing his statues at the village stadium and the Sports College in Jalandhar. Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, and leaders from across political parties attended his cremation, along with scores of rural residents. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also sent words of praise for Singh. Singhs son, Harvinder Singh, lit the funeral pyre, and the Punjab Police gave a gun salute. The 114-year-old was allegedly hit by an SUV driven by Canada-based Amritpal Singh Dhillon on July 14 while crossing the JalandharPathankot highway. Earlier, Singhs body was kept in a glass casket at his residence in the village, with his photograph beside it, where people paid their tributes. Around noon, it was carried to the cremation ground located outside the village. The family expressed pride in the achievements of their centenarian loved one, for whom they also received a condolence letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. That he (Fauja Singh) took up long-distance running at a very advanced age speaks volumes of not only his physical fitness, but more importantly, his mental strength and resilience, read the letter. Punjab Governor Kataria, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Cabinet Minister Mohinder Bhagat, Congress MLAs Pargat Singh, Rana Gurjeet Singh, Sukhwinder Singh Kotli, Hardev Singh Ladi Sherowalia, senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader Dr Daljit Singh Cheema, Jalandhar Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Aggarwal, and Jalandhar Range DIG Naveen Singla placed wreaths at the pyre. Kataria recalled how Fauja Singh walked with him during a Nasha Mukt Yatra, an anti-drug campaign, last year. He said that after walking for one kilometre, he asked him to stop, but to his surprise, Fauja Singh insisted that they continue walking. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, who laid a wreath on Singhs body, expressed profound grief and sorrow over the demise of the international marathoner. He said that the sports fraternity would forever remain indebted to the late Singh for his enormous contribution to taking athletics to new heights by defying his age on the international stage. Mann said that the void created by the death of this legendary athlete is difficult to fill in the near future. Recognising his immense contribution, the state government will rename the school in his village after him, besides installing his statues at the village stadium and the Sports College in Jalandhar. Singhs career as a marathon runner began when he was 89. He went on to become a global icon, gaining the nickname Turbaned Tornado for his endurance and athleticism.
'Learnt About It From News': Canada-Based Man Held For Hit-And-Run Of Fauja Singh
The tragic incident occurred on Monday in Bias village in Punjabs Jalandhar district, where Fauja Singh was walking along the JalandharPathankot highway.
Driver of SUV that ran over Fauja Singh arrested
The driver of the SUV that fatally struck Fauja Singh, the world's oldest marathoner, has been arrested. Amritpal Singh Dhillon, 26, was apprehended and his vehicle seized. The incident occurred on the Jalandhar-Pathankot highway in Punjab's Jalandhar district.
NRI Driver Arrested In Fauja Singh Hit-And-Run Case, Fortuner Seized
The man who allegedly rammed his car into 114-year-old marathon runner Fauja Singh on the Jalandhar-Pathankot highway has been arrested, police said on Wednesday.
Fortuner That Hit And Killed Marathoner Fauja Singh Identified: Cops
The car which hit 114-year-old marathon runner Fauja Singh on the Jalandhar-Pathankot highway and sped away has been identified almost 24 hours after the incident, cops said.
Army firepower to get a boost as US Apache attack helicopters to join next week
NEW DELHI: Adding teeth to the Indian Armys Aviation Corps (AAC), modern Apache attack helicopters will be joining the Unit next week. Confirming the arrivals, sources stated that the first three helicopters are expected to arrive on Sunday or Monday. These will add to the attack capability along the Western borders. This paper broke the story earlier. The Unit was formally raised in March 2024. India and the US signed a contract for the acquisition of six Apaches for the Indian Army during US President Donald Trumps visit to New Delhi in 2020. Before that, the IAF had signed a contract with the US Government and Boeing in September 2015 for 22 Apache helicopters. The Apache is said to be the most modern attack helicopter meant to take the place of the existing fleet of Mi-35 choppers for assault and anti-armour operations. The AH-64E Apache is designed and equipped with the latest communications, navigation, sensor and weapon systems. It features an improved Modernised Target Acquisition Designation System, which provides day, night, and all-weather target information, as well as night vision navigation capability. Its Fire Control Radar can classify both air and ground targets and operates effectively in maritime environments. It can also be used for missions such as reconnaissance, security, and peacekeeping operations, in addition to attack operations. The first eight Apache copters were inducted at Pathankot Air Base on September 3, 2019 as part of the Helicopter Unit (HU) 125 Squadron (Gladiators). The second HU 137 Squadron is based out of Jorhat, Assam. The US completed delivery of all 22 Apache attack helicopters to the IAF in July 2020. Contract for 6 helicopters India and the US signed a contract for the acquisition of six Apache helicopters for the Indian Army during US President Donald Trumps visit to New Delhi in 2020. Before that, IAF had signed a contract with the US and Boeing in September 2015 for 22 Apache helicopters.
114-Year-Old Fauja Singh, Legendary Marathon Runner, Dies In Road Accident On Punjab Highway
Fauja Singh was an iconic runner who earned the title of the world's oldest marathoner. He was hit by a vehicle on the Jalandhar-Pathankot highway on Monday.
MLA Ashwani Kumar Sharma appointed as working president of Punjab BJP
The BJP has appointed Ashwani Kumar Sharma, a Punjab MLA representing Pathankot, as the working president of the party's state unit, effective immediately. This decision, made by BJP national president J P Nadda, marks Sharma's return to a leadership role he previously held.
2 IAF Personnel Drown In Lake As Heavy Rains Batter Uttarakhand
Prince Yadav (22) from Pathankot, Punjab and Sahil Kumar (23) from Muzaffarpur, Bihar, were part of a group of eight IAF personnel, including four women, vacationing in Nainital.
Packaging breakthrough offers fresh hope to litchi farmers in Bihar, boosts Indias export potential
Bihars litchi growers may soon find new markets at home and abroad, thanks to a breakthrough in packaging technology that significantly extends the fruits shelf life. Litchis, typically highly perishable with a shelf life of just five days, pose serious distribution challengesespecially from Bihar, Indias largest litchi-producing state, to southern parts of the country. However, a new innovation using Modified Atmospheric Packaging (MAP) now promises to extend the shelf life by at least 15 days, with the potential to keep the fruit fresh for up to 30 days. The technology recently made headlines when India successfully shipped its first consignment of litchis from Pathankot to Qatar using MAP, allowing shoppers in Qatar to purchase fresh Indian litchisa milestone that showcases the technologys potential. Litchi farmers from Bihar couldnt even send their fruits to South India, said Dr. Sudhansu, Secretary of the Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). Now, this MAP technology, developed by our scientists at the UFlex lab in Noida, is set to revolutionise the industry. Building on this success, India is now developing a 'Sea Protocol' for litchis to further boost exports by enabling cost-effective sea shipments. Sea transport is not only cheaper but also attracts lower GST compared to air cargo. The Sea Protocol involves specific harvesting timelines, maturity standards, temperature controls during shipping, and ripening guidelines at the destination to maintain fruit quality. We are collaborating with Madagascar, a leading global exporter of litchis, to develop the Sea Protocol, said Dr. Sudhansu. India has already implemented the protocol successfully for bananas exported to the Netherlands and Russia, and is now working to develop similar procedures for pomegranates and mangoes. Bihar alone accounts for nearly 40% of Indias litchi production, followed by West Bengal (12%) and Jharkhand (10%). India is the worlds second-largest litchi producer after China, with other major producers including Thailand, Australia, South Africa, Madagascar, and the United States. Efforts to enhance litchi preservation have drawn political attention as well. During his recent Yatra, Shivraj Singh Chouhan expressed concern over the fruits short shelf life and urged ICAR scientists to develop solutions to extend it. With these new technological advancements and international collaborations, India is positioning itself to compete strongly in the global litchi market.
Kashmiri students face travel hardships after evacuation from war-hit Iran
Suhail Bhat SRINAGAR, June 22: Kashmiri students evacuated from war-hit Iran under Operation Sindhu continue to face travel hardships, as yet another bus developed a mechanical fault today, leaving them stranded on Jalandhar-Pathankot highway for over three hours. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp One of the three buses carrying nearly 30 students from Delhi to Kashmir broke down due to a technical snag, causing further distress to the already-exhausted students. A student told Excelsior that the bus developed [] The post Kashmiri students face travel hardships after evacuation from war-hit Iran appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Apache makes precautionary landing
NEW DELHI, June 13: An Apache attack helicopter of the Indian Air Force (IAF) made a precautionary landing in Punjabs Pathankot district while on a routine sortie on Friday, sources said. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Both the pilot and the co-pilot are safe, they added. Images earlier showed the chopper in a field, somewhere in the Pathankot district, after having made the precautionary landing. The chopper had taken off from the Pathankot airbase, a source said, adding [] The post Apache makes precautionary landing appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
IAF helicopter makes emergency landing
An Indian Air Force Apache helicopter executed an emergency landing near Pathankot, Punjab, with the crew reported safe and the aircraft undamaged. This incident follows similar occurrences, including a recent landing in Uttar Pradesh due to a technical issue and a hard landing in Ladakh last year. The IAF inducted 22 of these Boeing-manufactured helicopters between 2019 and 2020.
IAF Apache helicopter makes precautionary landing near Pathankot in Punjab
An Indian Air Force Apache attack helicopter executed a precautionary landing near Pathankot, Punjab, prompting technical inspections. Following the checks, the helicopter was declared serviceable and safely returned to its base. This incident follows a similar precautionary landing by an IAF Apache near Saharanpur last week, and another by a Chetak helicopter near Jamnagar in April.
IAF's Apache Helicopter Makes Emergency Landing In Punjab's Pathankot
An Indian Air Force Apache helicopter made an emergency landing in Pathankot, Punjab. No injuries or damage were reported.
Air Force Chopper Makes Emergency Landing In Pathankot, Second Case In 7 Days
The Indian Air Force (IAF) chopper made an emergency landing in Punjab's Pathankot on Friday.
Pathankot: IAF chopper makes emergency landing in Nangalpur area
BSF troops foil Pakistani intruder's attempt to cross the International Border in Pathankot
In another operation on May 24, Border Security Forces neutralised a Pakistani intruder attempting to enter Indian territory in Banaskantha district, Gujarat
BSF Nabs Pakistani Infiltrator Near Border In Punjab's Pathankot
India to move UNSC against 3 terrorists soon
India is preparing to present proposals to the UNSC against three Pakistan-based terrorists linked to JeM and LeT. Mohiuddin Aurangzeb Alamgir, Ali Kashif Jan, and Yusuf Muzammil Bhat are implicated in major attacks on Indian soil, including the Pulwama, Pathankot, and Mumbai attacks. Indian agencies have gathered digital evidence and designated them as terrorists under the UAPA.
Two Held With 1.2 Kg Charas In Jammu
Jammu, May 25: Two alleged drug peddlers, including a resident of Punjab, were arrested along with 1.2 kg charas here, an official of Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) said on Sunday. Akshay Dogra of Jammus Bohri area and Arun Manhas of Punjabs Pathankot were moving in a private vehicle when they were intercepted by a team of ANTF, Jammu and Kashmir Police, near Parmandal Morh late Saturday, leading to the recovery of the narcotic substance, he said. The official said that [] The post Two Held With 1.2 Kg Charas In Jammu appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
