Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar on Friday said people in the state have lost hope in the government and are turning to the Centre for relief. He visited flood-hit areas with Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and noted that locals demanded direct help instead of aid routed through state officials.
Jakhar blamed illegal mining for weakening river embankments. At Ghonewal village, residents told him the Dhussi bund broke because miners, backed by politicians, damaged it. When officials were asked when the embankment was last fortified, they admitted it had not happened recently. Jakhar said timely repairs could have reduced losses.
He criticised the irrigation minister for promising foolproof arrangements but failing to act. “Preparatory meetings never took place. Floods come every year, yet no one prepared,” he said.
Jakhar estimated that four lakh acres of farmland are under water, with crop damage close to 100 percent. From paddy to sugarcane, farmers face total loss. He urged the Centre to provide a comprehensive relief package and to consider new check dams and stronger embankments.
Despite the devastation, Jakhar praised Punjabis for showing generosity, saying their unity brings hope in this crisis.
