As floodwaters recede in Punjab, the focus shifts to comprehensive relief, sanitation, and reconstruction efforts. The government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, is implementing a large-scale initiative to address the challenges faced by the state. The operation, which began on September 14th and will continue until September 23rd, covers over 2300 villages and urban wards. The primary goal of this initiative is to thoroughly clean and rehabilitate every part of the affected areas, from individual streets to entire neighborhoods.
To facilitate this massive undertaking, municipal corporations, municipal councils, and panchayats have received clear directives to remove accumulated sludge, silt, and debris caused by the flooding.
More than 1000 sanitation workers, along with over 200 tractor-trailers, 150 JCB machines, and hundreds of health workers are involved in the operation. Nodal officers have been assigned in each district to provide direct oversight. Each zone has an officer in charge, who is tasked with being present on the ground daily to ensure the work is completed effectively. Commissioners in municipal corporations and ADCs in districts are responsible for resolving any pending complaints.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is personally monitoring the entire campaign, staying in close contact with officials and assessing the situation firsthand. He has emphasized that this is not just a routine campaign, but a dedicated effort to restore the homes and lives of every citizen of Punjab.
In addition to cleaning, the government is focusing on healthcare. The Health Department is deploying medicine spraying teams, providing clean water, and setting up first-aid camps in the flood-affected regions. As per the advisory issued on September 5th, all ULBs (Urban Local Bodies) have been directed to quickly implement sanitation measures and take steps to prevent the spread of diseases.
A survey to assess the extent of the damage is also underway to facilitate the distribution of compensation. Engineering teams are assessing homes, shops, roads, power infrastructure, and water systems to ensure that the government can provide timely financial assistance to every affected individual.
The Punjab government has also mandated complete transparency in all activities. Before and after photographs are being taken at every site. This practice will ensure that no work remains incomplete and that government assistance reaches those in need. The special cleaning and rehabilitation drive, launched on September 14th, has begun with considerable vigor across all districts of Punjab.
From early morning, teams from municipal corporations and local administrations have been working in the field. The sounds of JCB machines and tractor-trailers indicate the start of not just relief operations, but also reconstruction. Many residents have expressed that for the first time, a government is reaching every corner of the state with such speed and commitment, instilling in the public a sense of confidence.