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Intensifying efforts to rehabilitate flood-affected people in Punjab, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann launched “Mission Chaddi Kala” on Wednesday (September 17). Under this mission, the Punjab government will launch an international fundraising campaign to support efforts to rebuild flood-affected people in the state.
In a video message, the Chief Minister said that the state has endured a difficult period that generations will never forget. The floods not only wreaked havoc but also swept away millions of dreams.
How much damage?
Bhagwant Singh Mann stated that 2,300 villages have been submerged, 2 million people have been affected, 500,000 acres of crops have been destroyed, 56 precious lives have been lost, and 700,000 people have been rendered homeless.
The Chief Minister stated that 3,200 schools were destroyed, 19 colleges were reduced to rubble, 1,400 clinics and hospitals were in ruins, 8,500 kilometers of roads were damaged, and 2,500 bridges collapsed. He stated that preliminary estimates put the loss at ₹13,800 crore, though the damage could be much higher.
Bhagwant Mann said that while this is the most horrific tragedy in Punjab’s history, it is also the biggest test for Punjab. He said that history bears witness that whenever Punjab has faced a crisis, Punjabis have never succumbed to adversity, but have always stood firm like a rock.
Why was ‘Mission Chaddi Kal’ initiated?
The Chief Minister noted that even during the floods, young people were risking their lives to save people. He described how gurdwaras, temples, and other religious places opened their doors to help and organized langar (food distribution centers), and how the entire Punjab stood united like a family, like beads in a rosary. He said that this is our greatest strength and speciality.
The Chief Minister said that now is the time to move beyond relief and rehabilitation, as our farmers need to resume farming, children need to return to school, and flood-affected families need to rebuild their homes. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that keeping these challenging circumstances in mind, ‘Mission Chaddi Kala’ has been launched. The spirit of Chaddi Kala is to keep spirits high even in the most difficult times, to remain strong in the face of every sorrow, and to keep the light of hope burning even in the darkness.
The Chief Minister said that he heartily appeals to every Punjabi, every citizen of India, our industrialists, artists, charitable trusts, and our Punjabi brothers and sisters living around the world that Punjab needs you today. He said, “Come, come together and join hands with Punjab in this difficult time and help wholeheartedly.” Bhagwant Singh Mann promised that every penny received for flood relief will be spent with complete honesty and transparency on rehabilitation and construction work.
How to contribute?
The Chief Minister appealed to the public to contribute to the flood victims through www.rangla.punjab.gov.in. He expressed hope that together we will once again prove that Punjab never gives up. Punjab is always in the air. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that a war room has been set up in his office, which will directly monitor all activities related to ‘Mission Chaddi Kala’. He said that he himself will personally oversee these efforts daily.
During this meeting, the Chief Minister held a video conference with the Deputy Commissioners of all districts to review the flood relief work. He directed the Deputy Commissioners to visit flood relief camps and other affected areas daily to ensure that people do not face any difficulties. Bhagwant Singh Mann briefed them on ‘Mission Chaddi Kala’ and said that every penny collected under this mission will be spent on the rehabilitation of flood-affected people. Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, Chief Secretary K.A.P. Sinha and other officers were also present.
