Rajasthan village donates Rs 3.88L for flood relief

In an act of solidarity, residents of Mehrana village in Rajasthan’s Hanumangarh district have donated Rs 3.88 lakh to support flood-affected communities in Punjab. The contribution was handed over to Rajya Sabha MP Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal in Sirsa. Villagers also expressed willingness to travel to Punjab and assist farmers with on-ground recovery work.

The Gram Panchayat of Mehrana emphasised that crises strengthen human connections, recalling Punjab’s historical resilience in difficult times. Bajrang Lal, a young villager, remarked that the recent floods caused even greater devastation than those of 1988, wiping out large stretches of farmland. He affirmed that the farmers of Rajasthan stand firmly with their counterparts in Punjab.

The villagers also praised Seechewal’s relief and environmental efforts, especially his mission to clean and revive the Budha Dariya, which they believe will ultimately benefit Rajasthan as well. Thanking the villagers, Seechewal described their contribution as an example of true selfless service, stating that such bonds forged during times of adversity endure across generations.

Meanwhile, under Seechewal’s leadership, a large-scale campaign has begun to restore cultivability in the flood-hit fields of the Baupur Mand area in Punjab. On Monday, he drove a tractor to launch the initiative, which has mobilised more than 25 tractors to clear thick layers of silt and sand deposited by the floods.

Youth volunteers from across Punjab, including those from Patiala, Jalandhar and nearby villages, have joined the effort. Sand removed from fields is being repurposed to reinforce embankments, eight of which were breached during the floods, affecting crops in 17 villages. With community support, the first breach was plugged on September 20 and work on the remaining seven continues.

In a parallel initiative promoting environmental sustainability, a significant anti-stubble burning campaign has gained momentum in Kapurthala district. Farmers from 19 villages have pledged to stop burning crop residue this season. District officials, including SDMs and agriculture teams, have visited high-incidence villages to encourage alternatives such as in-situ management and baler machines.

Deputy Commissioner Amit Kumar Panchal noted that Kapurthala had 27 villages with multiple stubble-burning incidents last year. This season, however, the response from farmers has been overwhelmingly positive. Villagers across Bholath, Kapurthala, and Sultanpur Lodhi sub-divisions have assured full cooperation, acknowledging that responsible stubble management not only protects the environment but also enhances soil fertility.

From Rajasthan’s generous donation to Punjab’s flood relief, to united efforts in restoring farmland and embracing sustainable farming practices, these recent developments underscore a powerful spirit of unity, resilience and shared responsibility among farmers and communities across the region.