New Delhi: Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Tuesday expressed solidarity with the people of Punjab, which, along with Jammu and Kashmir, has been severely affected by floods.

Speaking to reporters, Sirsa said, “There is a flood situation in J&K and now in Punjab. We stand with the people of Punjab. We are deeply concerned to see how large parts of Punjab are affected by floods, as this will significantly impact agriculture over the next 2-3 years.” He also highlighted the central government’s support, adding, “The Prime Minister yesterday spoke to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and gave all assurances. We stand by the people of Punjab and assure that we stand by them.”

Punjab Revenue, Rehabilitation, and Disaster Management Minister S. Hardeep Singh Mundian reported that over 2.56 lakh people across 12 districts have been affected, displacing thousands and causing widespread damage to lives, property, crops, and livestock. So far, 15,688 people have been evacuated, with Gurdaspur (5,549), Ferozepur (3,321), Fazilka (2,049), Amritsar (1,700), Pathankot (1,139), and Hoshiarpur (1,052) being the worst-hit areas. The state government has set up 129 relief camps, accommodating 7,144 people, with Ferozepur hosting the highest number of inmates at 3,987, followed by Fazilka (1,201), Hoshiarpur (478), Pathankot (411), and Gurdaspur (424).

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is scheduled to visit flood-affected areas in Ferozepur today, meeting people at the relief camp at the Government Secondary School and inspecting the flood situation in Hussainiwala. Earlier, the Punjab government ordered the closure of all 43 centres associated with the Punjab Skill Development Mission (PSDM) until September 3 due to inclement weather and prevailing flood conditions.

Punjab Minister Aman Arora confirmed the decision on X, stating it was to ensure the safety of stakeholders. Additionally, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema urged the Union government to release Rs 60,000 crore in pending funds to manage flood damage.