Sultanpur Lodhi: Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami met prominent individuals from flood-affected villages of Sultanpur Lodhi at Gurdwara Sri Ber Sahib on Thursday. He assured them of every possible support from the SGPC and listened to their concerns.
During the interaction, Dhami said the widespread flooding was not merely a natural calamity but a result of government negligence. “Had the dams released water gradually, Punjab would not have witnessed such devastation. Instead, people have been left to their fate, even forced to do the work that was the government’s responsibility,” he said.
Dhami noted that reinforcing embankments was the government’s duty, but villagers themselves were placing soil on the bunds to safeguard their villages. He said the SGPC had stepped in to support the ongoing efforts. As part of this, 38,000 litres of diesel has been arranged for embankment strengthening, including 8,000 litres delivered on-site today. The Ahli Kalan bund, which covers the largest area, has been allocated 20,000 litres, while villages such as Baupur, Dhunda, Chakwala, and Sagran have also received supplies.
The SGPC chief added that the committee was working to ensure wheat cultivation for farmers in the affected regions. Nearly one lakh acres worth of certified wheat seeds would be provided in coordination with Punjab Agricultural University. Additionally, gurdwaras in the flood-hit areas would be given ₹50,000 each in financial assistance.
“SGPC is the representative body of Sikhs. Though its financial resources are limited, standing with people in times of distress is our legacy,” Dhami said. He also criticised the state government for failing to remove taxes on diesel being provided for relief efforts despite repeated requests.
