GNDU urged to conduct scientific survey of flood-hit border belt

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab chief spokesperson Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal has urged Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) to conduct a comprehensive socio-economic survey of flood-affected areas in the state’s border belt. He met Vice-Chancellor Dr Karamjit Singh and submitted a formal request for the study.

Dhaliwal said the assessment is crucial to understanding the scale of devastation caused by recent floods in Amritsar, Gurdaspur and Ferozepur. He said the border districts have historically borne the burden of Partition, wars and continuous tension along the International Border.

“These regions are already economically vulnerable. Repeated floods have further damaged crops, disrupted livelihoods and deepened rural distress,” he said, pointing out that more than 60,000 acres of farmland have remained unused for years due to security restrictions. He added that many residents have suffered injuries and loss of life because of border-related incidents, including landmines.

Highlighting crop loss, unemployment and migration from these villages, Dhaliwal said a detailed and scientific study is urgently needed.

“Only a comprehensive survey carried out by the university — through its departments of sociology, economics, social work and disaster management — will provide accurate ground-level data. This will help both the state and central governments frame effective rehabilitation and development plans,” he said.

Accompanied by MLA Dr Jasbir Singh Sandhu, Dhaliwal met the Vice-Chancellor at the GNDU campus and handed over the request. He said the VC has assured them that the university will soon undertake the survey and prepare a comprehensive report.

“Once the findings are submitted, we will be able to identify the root causes of the floods, assess the damage in detail and seek appropriate assistance from the state and central governments,” Dhaliwal added.