Punjab has endured significant losses from both floods and droughts. Giani Harpreet Singh asserts that it is time to put an end to this dual policy that has long plagued our region.

Punjab has endured significant losses from both floods and droughts. Giani Harpreet Singh asserts that it is time to put an end to this dual policy that has long plagued our region.

Let us put an end to the squandering of our precious water resources. We must implement a system that collects royalties on the water we supply to other states.

It is unfortunate that neither the state government nor the central government has released any funds from the relief package so far.

Chandigarh 30 August ( Ranjeet Singh Dhaliwal ) : Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh, the revived President of the Shiromani Akali Dal, visited the flood-affected areas of Ferozepur district and Harike Pattan today. During his visit, he emphasized the need to eliminate the policies of cheating and fraud in water distribution. He pointed out that the central government has repeatedly deceived Punjab regarding water issues. Giani Harpreet Singh urged all Punjabis to unite and demand fair compensation for the water allocated to other states. He highlighted that Punjab is a riparian state that has suffered significantly from recent floods. Other states benefit financially from their natural resources, and Giani Harpreet Singh asserted that Punjab deserves compensation for the water supplied to Haryana, Rajasthan, and Delhi. Recovering the price of this water would boost the state's budget, enabling the government to strengthen dams, enhance embankments, and expand canal irrigation. This approach would help mitigate natural flood damage, increase state revenues, and protect groundwater from pollution and contamination. Referring to an agreement signed between Himachal Pradesh and the Delhi government in 2023, Giani Harpreet Singh questioned why Delhi can purchase water from Himachal Pradesh, but Punjab's water is supplied for free. He argued that the cost of water, established since the PEPSU period, should not only be reviewed and compensated but also actively recovered in the future. He criticized the Haryana government, noting that while Punjab is in a difficult situation, Haryana has refused to take water through the Bhakra dam, highlighting the disproportionate impact of drought on Punjab. During his visit to the flood-affected areas, Giani Harpreet Singh provided ration materials and toured relief camps organized by Shiromani Akali Dal workers. He instructed party members to be prepared to offer assistance in any form. Furthermore, he raised concerns about the absence of financial support from both the Central and Punjab governments in light of the extensive damage. Giani Harpreet Singh declared the state government’s response a complete failure, stating that the people of Punjab have stepped up to help affected families. He expressed disappointment with the Central government, asserting that its historically alienated perspective toward Punjab has not changed, and its silence during this crisis adds to the suffering of the people. Accompanying Giani Harpreet Singh during his visit were Barjinder Singh Brar, Ajaypal Singh Brar, Davinder Singh Sekhon, Kulbir Singh Matta, Amaninder Singh Bani Brar, Gagandeep Singh Sandhu, and Manpreet Singh Bholuwala.