Punjab BJP chief targets AAP government, says inadequate preparedness for monsoons

Chandigarh (Punjab) [India], July 16 (ANI): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Punjab President Kewal Singh Dhillon has written to Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, raising questions over the state's preparedness to tackle any floods in the wake of the monsoon, alleging that there has been a failure to clean drains and drainage channels.
In a letter, Dhillon stated that with the monsoon imminent, fear and anxiety have once again gripped the people of Punjab.
Recent reports of cracks developing in embankments along various rivers and breaches in canals and distributaries have further heightened public concern, he said, alleging that the cleaning of drainage channels and flood drains has still not been completed.
He said that drains in urban areas and drainage channels in villages remain choked with silt, plastic waste, and garbage. Dhillon warned that if cities or villages are inundated after the very first spell of heavy rain, the Punjab government would be directly responsible for the resulting damage.
Citing assistance provided by the Central Government in Parliament, the BJP leader said that during the financial year 2025-26, the Centre released Rs 481.6 crore to the state under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF). Adding the Punjab government's contribution of Rs 160.8 crore, the total amount available stood at Rs 642.4 crore, which was meant specifically for flood relief, strengthening embankments, and disaster management.
Dhillon asked the Chief Minister to explain where the Rs 642.4 crore had been spent, which embankments had been strengthened, which drains had been cleaned, and how many affected people had benefited from the funds. He said the Central Government had fulfilled its responsibility by releasing the money on time, and it was now for the Punjab government to account for how these funds had been utilised.
Dhillon urged the Chief Minister to take responsibility and alleged that an attempt was being made to cover up the government's failures. (ANI)