As devastating floods continue to batter Punjab, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has announced that all AAP MLAs and MPs will contribute their one-month salary to the Punjab Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.
The initiative is aimed at supporting relief and rehabilitation efforts in the state, where heavy rainfall and overflowing rivers have caused widespread destruction.
Kejriwal’s Appeal for Nationwide Support
In a video message shared on social media platform X, Kejriwal called on all political parties and the central government to extend assistance to Punjab in this time of crisis.
“Punjab has always stood tall in the face of any crisis faced by the nation. Today, Punjab itself is in crisis. I appeal to all my fellow countrymen to extend every possible help to the people of Punjab in this difficult time,” Kejriwal said.
Emphasizing the need for collective responsibility, he stressed that solidarity and joint efforts are essential to help Punjab recover from this natural disaster.
Flood Situation in Punjab
The floods have been triggered by continuous heavy rainfall and the swelling of rivers such as the Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi. Heavy downpours in neighboring Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir have further worsened the situation.
Several districts are reeling under severe waterlogging and displacement, including:
- Pathankot
- Gurdaspur
- Fazilka
- Kapurthala
- Tarn Taran
- Ferozepur
- Hoshiarpur
- Amritsar
A fresh spell of rain on Tuesday aggravated conditions, inundating homes, farmland, and major roads. Daily life in many areas has come to a standstill.
Relief and Rescue Efforts
The relief operations are being carried out jointly by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Army, Border Security Force (BSF), Punjab Police, and local administration. Rescue teams are working around the clock to evacuate stranded families, provide medical care, and distribute essential supplies.
Shelters have been set up in multiple districts, though officials admit the scale of damage is making operations challenging. Agricultural losses, damaged infrastructure, and displacement of families remain the most pressing concerns.
Weather Conditions
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), rainfall continued across the state within a 24-hour period ending 8:30 am Tuesday:
- Amritsar: 18.3 mm
- Patiala: 70.5 mm
- Bathinda: 5 mm
- Faridkot: 1 mm
- Gurdaspur: 32.8 mm
- Mansa: 10 mm
- Mohali: 44.5 mm
- Chandigarh: 40.8 mm
In view of worsening conditions, the Punjab government has announced the closure of all colleges, universities, and polytechnic institutes in the state until September 3.
“A Time for Unity”
Kejriwal reiterated that the floods in Punjab are a matter of national concern, urging citizens across India to contribute in whatever way possible-whether through donations, volunteering, or material aid.
“This is a time for unity and collective effort. The situation demands immediate attention and cooperation from all sectors to mitigate further damage and assist those affected effectively,” he said.
Conclusion
The floods in Punjab have once again highlighted the vulnerability of northern states to extreme weather events, intensified by climate change and monsoon variability. With large parts of the state submerged and lakhs of people affected, the AAP initiative to donate salaries may set an example for other political parties, organizations, and individuals to step forward.
As the state battles one of the worst floods in recent years, relief measures, combined with nationwide solidarity, will be critical in ensuring that Punjab and its people can rebuild and recover.