The Punjab and Haryana High Court declined to take over flood relief work in Punjab and Haryana. The bench fixed September 9 as the next date for hearing a PIL that demanded court supervision.
Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Yashvir Singh Rathor said officers must focus on rescue. Pulling them into court replies would slow relief efforts. The judges also asked the petitioner to provide “better particulars” as the current plea lacked details.
The PIL came from Fazilka lawyer Shubham after floods from August 25 to 29 hit both states. He requested timely relief, enforcement of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, and Dam Safety Act, 2021. He also sought audits, floodplain zoning, and a court-monitored committee.
Advocate Angrej Singh argued that relief work on the ground was weak. He said coordination between Punjab, the Union Government, and agencies was poor. Singh pointed out the state had only 114 boats and one helicopter. In contrast, NDRF had 30–35 helicopters.
He warned that livestock losses are large. The real damage to homes and infrastructure will be clear only when the water goes down.
