SGPC chief blames govt ‘negligence’ for flood devastation

Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami on Thursday dispensed 8,000 litres of diesel in flood-affected Sultanpur Lodhi.

While meeting farmers at Gurdwara Ber Sahib, Dhami alleged that the floods were not a natural calamity but the outcome of government negligence. He pointed out that had water been released gradually from the dams in time, such widespread devastation in Punjab could have been avoided. He said the government had left the people to fend for themselves, forcing them to take on responsibilities that should have been carried out by the authorities.

He said, “Strengthening embankments is the government’s duty. However, it paid no attention. Villagers are compelled to work on embankments to protect their homes.” Dhami added that the SGPC had arranged 38,000 litres of diesel to support efforts for strengthening embankments in Baupur, Dhundan, Chakwala, Sagran and other villages in Sultanpur Lodhi.

“Arrangements will be made to provide wheat seeds for one lakh acres in coordination with the Punjab Agriculture University. Gurdwaras in the affected areas will receive Rs 50,000 each as financial aid,” he said.

He pointed out that the SGPC had requested the government to waive taxes on diesel provided to farmers, but no response had been receieved so far.