New Delhi – Union Minister and senior BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan has attributed Punjab’s worsening flood crisis to illegal mining, which he said has weakened the state’s river embankments.
Acting on the instructions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chouhan visited Punjab to assess the situation. In a detailed post on X, he said, “The Hon’ble Prime Minister is deeply concerned about the devastation in Punjab. On his instructions, I visited the state to review the situation and will be submitting a comprehensive report to him.”
The Union Minister assured full central assistance to Punjab’s people and farmers, calling for immediate and long-term strategies for relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction.
Recalling measures taken during former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s tenure, Chouhan noted that embankments along the Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, and Ghaggar rivers were once reinforced and elevated. He said illegal mining has since eroded their strength, enabling floodwaters to break through and submerge villages. He stressed that restoring and securing these protective structures is critical to prevent future disasters.
Looking ahead, Chouhan highlighted two major challenges once floodwaters recede: the safe disposal of animal carcasses to avert disease outbreaks, and the removal of silt from farmlands to protect the upcoming crop cycle.
Praising Punjab’s resilience, he added, “I witnessed inspiring examples of seva in flood-hit areas. Serving humanity in distress is true worship of God. It is this unity and spirit of service that will help Punjab overcome this calamity.”
