Are the Punjab floods a man-made disaster and could timely action have prevented the damage?
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Synopsis
Bhupesh Bhagel, former Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, labels the Punjab floods as a man-made disaster. He stresses the importance of timely action to minimize damage and criticizes the government for its lack of response. As he tours affected areas, he raises concerns about relief efforts and the indifference shown by authorities.
Key Takeaways
- Punjab floods classified as a man-made disaster.
- Need for timely action to prevent major damage.
- Call for a comprehensive flood relief package.
- Criticism of government negligence in disaster preparedness.
- Ongoing assessments of flood impact by Congress leaders.
Chandigarh, Sep 6 (NationPress) Bhupesh Bhagel, the former Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh and Congress general secretary, stated on Saturday that the recent floods in Punjab were a man-made catastrophe that resulted in extensive destruction across significant portions of the state. He emphasized that prompt action could have mitigated the severe impacts.
The party in-charge for the state expressed the necessity for a thorough and significant flood relief package for Punjab.
He lamented the Central government's delay in offering immediate aid to those affected by the floods.
Accompanied by prominent party figures, including state president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring and Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa, Bhagel visited numerous flood-impacted regions in Tarn Taran, engaging with local residents.
He remarked that while this was not the time for political games regarding the floods, the state government and administration must be held accountable for failing to implement preventive measures beforehand.
“The state government and its administration have shown complete negligence in anticipating the situation, despite forecasts indicating an above-normal monsoon this year,” he stated.
“We were already submerged, and the state government was oblivious to the crisis,” he added, noting that they reacted only after extensive damage had occurred.
The senior Congress figure expressed disappointment that both the state and Central governments appear to be indifferent to the suffering of the flood-affected individuals in Punjab.
He criticized the state administration for its collapse and highlighted the Central government's insensitivity, questioning the unusual delay in providing immediate assistance.
While comprehensive aid may take time, he insisted that the Central government should have facilitated immediate relief for those impacted by the floods.
Bhagel, currently on a two-day visit to Punjab to evaluate the flood situation and the relief efforts by party members, toured areas including Dhunda in Khadoor Sahib, Gatta Badshah in Zira, Nihal Lavera in Ferozepur, Naubram Sher Singh Jaba in Guruharsahai, Walle Shah Uttar, and Noorshah in Fazilka, as well as Rukne Wala and Dutti Wala Bandh in Zira.
He plans to visit flood-affected locations such as Ghonewal in Ajnala, Dharamkot Randhawa, and the Dera Baba Nanak Corridor in Gurdaspur district tomorrow.
Point of View
It's imperative to recognize that while natural disasters can strike unexpectedly, the role of governance in disaster preparedness and response is crucial. The current situation in Punjab highlights the need for accountability and proactive measures to protect vulnerable populations from similar crises in the future.
NationPress
06/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the floods in Punjab?
The floods in Punjab have been described as a man-made disaster by Bhupesh Bhagel, emphasizing negligence in disaster preparedness.
What actions could have prevented the flooding?
Timely preventive measures and effective planning by the state government could have reduced the impact of the floods.
What relief efforts are currently underway?
Bhupesh Bhagel is assessing the flood situation and advocating for a comprehensive relief package for the affected regions.
How has the central government responded to the floods?
Bhagel criticized the central government for its delay in providing interim relief to flood victims.
What areas were affected by the floods?
Several regions in Punjab, including Tarn Taran and Zira, have experienced severe flooding.
