Karnal people extend helping hand to flood-hit Punjab

The people of Karnal district have come forward to support neighbouring state Punjab, which is reeling under the impact of devastating floods. From villages to towns, from religious places to youth groups, everyone is uniting to collect and send relief materials to the affected families.

At Dera Kar Sewa Gurdwara in Karnal, a flood relief counter has been established for Punjab’s flood-affected areas by International Sikh Forum and Global Sikhs with the support of Dera Kar Sewa head Baba Sukha Singh. People are arriving in large numbers to donate dry ration and other essential items.

Volunteers are tirelessly collecting food items, clothes, medicines and daily necessities, and carefully packing those. Tarpaulins and mattresses are also being donated in significant numbers.

Pritpal Singh Pannu, general secretary of the International Sikh Forum, said, “The people of Karnal stand by Punjab in this time of crisis. People are helping with open heart and contributing generously. We are collecting ration, dry food items, wheat, cattle feed and pulses. The collected items will be dispatched to Punjab on September 7.” He appealed to those willing to contribute to donate by Saturday evening.

“Punjab is facing a calamity and it is our duty to stand with them. After all, we are all brothers and this is the true test of humanity,” he asserted.

Meanwhile, several other groups across villages such as Gagsina, Narukheri, Kaimla, Bairsal, Taprana and Ballah are also collecting materials or have already dispatched food, fodder and other essentials to Punjab.

Relief counters have been set up at multiple points where villagers bring biscuits, mattresses, dry ration, bottled water and other supplies. Contributions are pouring in — some offer money, others clothes while many provide foodgrains and medicines.

Gurnam Singh Sandhu, a member of BKU and a resident of Gagsina village, said they have been collecting wheat, rice, pulses and fodder with support from all sections of society. “We will dispatch the material soon,” he added.

Satpal Singh, sarpanch of Kaimla village, said that they had dispatched two trolleys of wheat, rice, mustard oil, sugar and other essential material. “We only send what is required on the ground,” he said.

Sandeep Singroha, a member of BKU (Charuni) and a resident of Ballah village, said, “Punjab is like the elder brother of Haryana. Whenever Haryana faces trouble, Punjab stands beside us. Now that Punjab is in difficulty, it is our responsibility to support them. People of Ballah and surrounding villages are contributing with open heart.”