Chandigarh, Sept 9 –Amid worst flood crises in Punjab, the state government has launched a massive relief campaign under “Operation Rahat,” ensuring aid reaches even the most remote villages. Led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the effort has brought both administration and cabinet ministers directly into the field, working shoulder-to-shoulder with affected families.
Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains has set an example by combining official responsibility with personal commitment. Besides expediting relief operations, he and his family contributed ₹5 lakh to repair nearly 50 homes. His residence was opened round-the-clock for flood victims seeking shelter and help.
Bains also mandated strict timelines for restoration work — with land reports to be completed in three days, electricity and water within 24 hours, and road repairs in 48 hours.
His quick action recently drew public attention when a Congress road blockade in Anandpur Sahib trapped an ambulance carrying a critical patient. Bains intervened, personally clearing the way with his pilot vehicle to ensure the patient reached PGI Chandigarh on time. The video of the incident went viral, earning him wide appreciation.
The relief drive has been collective. Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO, along with his wife Suhinder Kaur, distributed fodder and essentials in Nissoke village. Rural Development Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sodhi supplied rations and clean water, while Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar worked with locals to save an embankment in Ghullewala before distributing relief on the ground. Health Minister Balbir Singh ensured medicines and safe drinking water reached flood-hit families, and Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema personally coordinated relief kits from Derba.
From Patiala alone, 16 trucks of relief material have been dispatched to affected districts. Cabinet Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal supervised deliveries in villages to make sure aid reached every household.
Officials said the government’s approach has been to not just provide immediate relief but also restore confidence among the people. “Operation Rahat reflects the state’s commitment that no family will be left alone in this crisis,” an official statement said.
