Continuing his spree to give healing touch to the people in flood affected areas of the state, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday inspected the ongoing work of plugging the breach in Dhussi bandh here.
The Chief Minister ferried the boat and went amongst the masses to inspect the ongoing work on plugging the breach that had took place in the wee hours of Monday. He appreciated the exemplary work done by volunteers led by eminent environmentalist and district administration to plug this breach on war footing. Bhagwant Mann said that no stone will be left unturned for bailing out the people in this hour of crisis.
The Chief Minister said that due to heavy flow of water the paddy crop in many fields have been destroyed. However, he said that to safeguard the interests of the farmers the state government will soon provide free saplings to the farmers of high yielding variety of paddy. Bhagwant Mann said that he had already directed the Punjab Agriculture University, PUNSEED, Agriculture department and others to plant the saplings of these varieties.
The Chief Minister said that these saplings will be ready in another four-five days after which it will be disbursed free of cost to the farmers. He said that the water has affected around 15 districts of the state where these saplings, if needed, will be distributed to the food growers. Bhagwant Mann said that the state government is with the farmers of the state in this hour of severe crisis.
The Chief Minister said that it is strange that while he is busy serving the Punjabis affected with the floods, the opposition is grabbing this opportunity to settle the political score. He said that this is shameful on part of leaders of opposition that they are stooping too low by mudslinging during this hour of crisis. Bhagwant Mann said that once security and safety of people of state is ensured he will surely reply these idle and rejected political leaders.
The Chief Minister said that those who are boasting that centre has issued Rs 218 crore must remember that this fund was issued on July 10. He said that state government can’t spend this amount in four days adding that damaged has been minimised as the government had took preventive measures well in advance. Bhagwant Mann said that these shameless leaders must peep into their conscience before giving any such state.
The Chief Minister questioned BJP state chief Sunil Jakhar that why he was mum when Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh had misused money for Rural Development Funds. He said that Sunil Jakhar was state Congress Chief during that regime which had led to stopping of funds by centre. Bhagwant Mann said that state BJP chief owes answer to Punjab and its people for jeopardising the development of work.
The Chief Minister further said that it is heartening to learn that water is receding fastly in state due to which relief and rescue works are getting impetus. He also lauded the teams of BSF/ NDRF for giving a major helping hand to the state government for relief works. Bhagwant Mann said that the state is known for serving the masses in hostile situations and we will overcome this challenge too.
The Chief Minister said that Punjabis had once again displayed rare courage and strength to combat this crisis. He said that Punjabis are blessed with indomitable spirit of fighting against all odds due to which they have survived since ages. Bhagwant Mann said that people of Punjab had helped each other in a big way by displaying remarkable bonhomie and harmony.
On the occasion Cabinet Minister Balkar Singh, Lok Sabha MP Sushil Kumar Rinku, Rajya Sabha MP Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal, MLA Inderjit Kaur Mann and others were also present.