By Chandigarh: In response to the unprecedented floods that swept across Punjab this monsoon season, the state assembly began a special session today, dedicated to addressing the aftermath of the disaster and evaluating government efforts on relief and rehabilitation. The session, which will continue until September 29, is being seen as a critical moment in shaping the state’s recovery approach.
The Assembly did not follow its usual format today — the question hour was omitted to give full attention to the flood situation and related issues. However, zero hour remains on the agenda, allowing elected representatives to highlight urgent matters from their constituencies.
The proceedings began with tributes to nine prominent individuals who passed away recently, including former minister Harmel Singh Tohra, ex-MLA Raghubir Singh, and a number of soldiers who lost their lives in the line of duty. The House also paid respects to celebrated Punjabi comedian Jaswinder Bhalla and noted music director Charanjit Singh Ahuja, acknowledging their cultural contributions.
The focus of the session quickly shifted to the statewide flood emergency, described by officials as the most severe since 1987. Floodwaters ravaged 23 districts, impacting more than 2,500 villages and affecting over 3.8 lakh residents. Fifty-seven fatalities have been confirmed, with four individuals still missing, and more than 23,000 people were rescued during the peak of the crisis.
Although the Punjab government has declared the state flood-affected, the central government has yet to make the same classification, a decision that has drawn criticism from several quarters. This gap in recognition is expected to become a key point of contention as opposition leaders prepare to challenge the ruling party over its coordination with the Centre and its on-ground response.
Over the next few days, legislators will also review a dozen official reports, and hold a dedicated debate on the rehabilitation process, including the distribution of compensation, infrastructure repair, and steps to prevent similar disasters in the future.
Political insiders expect a charged atmosphere in the Assembly, with the opposition likely to raise not only flood management but also broader concerns such as law and order, resource allocation, and disaster preparedness failures.
With Punjab at a critical juncture in its flood recovery journey, the Assembly’s special session may prove pivotal in determining how swiftly and effectively help reaches those most affected — and how the state prepares for climate-related challenges going forward.
