How is Radha Soami Dera Beas Chief Addressing Flood Relief in Punjab?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Gurinder Singh Dhillon leads critical flood relief efforts.
- The Dera mobilizes resources and volunteers across Punjab.
- Severe flooding impacts 1,650 villages.
- Government announces significant financial aid.
- Community support is vital in times of crisis.
Jalandhar, Sep 10 (NationPress) Gurinder Singh Dhillon, the chief of Radha Soami Satsang Beas, took the lead on Wednesday in providing relief to families impacted by the devastating floods in Punjab. The Dera has shown steadfast dedication to supporting those in need, mobilizing both resources and volunteers throughout the state.
During his visit to Satsang Bhawan-3 in Rahmatpur, Jalandhar, Dhillon oversaw the large-scale packing of essential relief supplies. He engaged with administrative officials to evaluate the specific requirements of flood-affected areas and to guarantee the efficient distribution of aid.
Throughout the day, thousands of devotees gathered in Rahmatpur to see their Dera head. While sevadars managed crowd control and logistics, local police ensured security and traffic management.
After his visit to Jalandhar, Dhillon proceeded to Shahkot, an area severely impacted by the floods, to conduct a ground evaluation. He assured families that relief supplies would be tailored to their immediate needs, reinforcing the Dera's commitment to stand by the community during this crisis.
Just days prior, during a Sunday Satsang in Beas, Dhillon encouraged the congregation to engage in selfless service to their fellow Punjabis. He urged devotees not only to donate but also to actively participate in relief operations.
The Dera's initiatives come amidst a statewide emergency, as Punjab faces one of the most severe floods in decades.
Continuous rainfall, rising water levels in the Beas, Satluj, Ravi, and Ghaggar rivers, coupled with controlled discharges from the Bhakhra, Pong, and Ranjit Sagar dams, have inundated vast stretches of farmland and displaced thousands.
According to official reports, 1,650 villages across all 23 districts have been affected, with over 1.75 lakh acres of farmland underwater. Gurdaspur is the hardest hit, with more than 1.45 lakh people affected, followed by Amritsar (1.17 lakh), Ferozepur (39,076), and Fazilka (over 21,500). So far, 37 lives have been lost, and three individuals remain missing.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducted aerial surveys in Himachal Pradesh and Punjab to assess the flood situation. During a review meeting in Kangra, he announced a financial package of Rs 1,600 crore for Punjab, in addition to the previously allocated Rs 12,000 crore. An advance installment from the SDRF and PM Kisan Samman Nidhi will also be released to assist farmers.
Rescue and relief activities are ongoing, with the Indian Army, Air Force, BSF, SDRF, NDRF, and various NGOs working tirelessly to provide aid to those affected.