Patiala, September 16
Union Minister of State Raksha Nikhil Khadse, along with former Union Minister Preneet Kaur, visited the flood-affected areas of Samana and Sanaur constituencies today.
The leaders inspected villages including Dudhan Gujran, Budhmor, Mehmoodpur, Jalan Kheri, Sassi Gujran, and Dharamheri, which have been severely impacted by floods caused by the Tangri, Markanda, and Ghaggar rivers.
During the visit, the Minister instructed the district administration to compile a comprehensive report on the damages so that the Centre can provide appropriate compensation. While interacting with farmers, she noted their key demands: desilting of rivers, construction of permanent embankments and inlets to prevent future crop and land damage, and urgent repair of the 25 km Patiala–Pehowa road that connects to Kurukshetra.
The Minister assured that these concerns will be taken up with the Prime Minister’s Office, the Central Water Commission, and the Union Road Transport Ministry to ensure a permanent solution and prevent recurring devastation.
Speaking to the media, former Union Minister Preneet Kaur said that Patiala had faced such devastating floods in 2023 also. She reminded that she had recently written to the Hon’ble Prime Minister highlighting Patiala’s situation. Following this, the Prime Minister directed all Union Ministers of State to conduct on-ground reviews across Punjab.
“Patiala has been hit hard by floods from the Tangri, Markanda, and Ghaggar rivers. This is an inter-state issue concerning Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan. A permanent resolution requires coordinated action by the Water Commission,” Preneet Kaur stated.
She further added that the Centre is treating Punjab’s situation with utmost seriousness, and for the first time, all 25 Union Ministers are present on the ground to prepare detailed reports for submission to the Prime Minister’s Office. Both leaders thanked Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji for his continuous guidance and constant support to Punjab during this crisis, ensuring that farmers and affected families receive timely relief and long-term solutions.
Later, she visited Dharamheri where farmers were protesting against the Hansi–Butana canal issue. Smt. Preneet Kaur mentioned that the matter had already been raised with the Haryana Chief Minister and the Governor, and impromptu action is being taken. She informed that even the Haryana Chief Minister has sent officials to assess the ground situation. Union Minister Raksha Nikhil Khadse also assured the farmers that assistance will be provided and that in the future, farmers will not face such issues due to the canal. She further assured that a high-level meeting of the concerned states with the Central Water Commission will be convened soon, and a concrete solution will be given to the farmers.
The farmers were satisfied with the assurances, immediately called off their protest after the visit of the Union Minister, and thanked the leaders for the prompt action.
Along with the Minister, District President Jaspal Singh Gagroli, Harmesh Goyal, Sanaur Constituency Incharge Vikram Inderjit Singh Chahal, and Samana Incharge Surinder Singh Kherki were also present during the visit.
