Chandigarh, 27 August 2025 – Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has once again chosen symbolism rooted in action over ceremonial appearances, as he shifted his government’s helicopter from routine travel duties to serve in ongoing flood relief and rescue efforts. In a rare move for a sitting Chief Minister, Mann spent the day alongside his cabinet colleagues in the flood-ravaged districts of Gurdaspur and Pathankot, directly overseeing relief operations and interacting with distressed families.
The northern belt of Punjab has been reeling under heavy monsoon rains that triggered swelling rivers and caused severe flooding in several low-lying villages. Fields have been inundated, houses damaged, and livelihoods disrupted, leaving thousands dependent on emergency evacuation and aid. While aerial surveys are common for leaders during such crises, Mann’s decision to deploy the official chopper for rescue missions and instead travel by road to affected areas signaled a different approach—one that prioritized resources for citizens rather than protocol.
Eyewitnesses recounted how the Chief Minister and his team personally walked through waterlogged stretches, inspected damaged embankments, and interacted with farmers whose crops had been submerged. District officials were instructed on the spot to speed up distribution of food packets, drinking water, and medical supplies. Temporary shelters have been set up in schools and community centers, where displaced families are being provided with mattresses, sanitation facilities, and health check-ups.
The Punjab government has also mobilized the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and state disaster units to carry out rescue work in badly affected pockets. Mann emphasized that no village should be left behind and directed officials to maintain real-time monitoring of river levels and weather alerts. “This is not the time for photo opportunities, but for real work on the ground,” the Chief Minister was quoted as saying while addressing a gathering of locals.
By joining the relief drive himself, Mann sent a strong message to both bureaucrats and political opponents that governance in times of disaster demands presence rather than distance. His approach stood in sharp contrast to criticism that earlier administrations often relied on symbolic aerial surveys with little direct engagement. Political analysts believe that Mann’s proactive stance could also strengthen his bond with rural constituencies, particularly in the Majha and Doaba regions, where floods have historically caused significant distress.
Relief efforts are being complemented by medical camps where doctors are treating cases of fever, water-borne infections, and injuries sustained during the floods. Veterinary teams have also been dispatched, given that livestock losses are a serious concern in agrarian communities. The state government is simultaneously working on compensation packages for crop and property damage, though formal announcements are expected only after detailed assessments are completed.
As Punjab battles one of its harshest spells of flooding in recent years, the Chief Minister’s choice to trade his aerial comfort for ground-level action has drawn appreciation from citizens. Whether this momentum can translate into long-term measures like stronger embankments, better drainage systems, and disaster preparedness remains to be seen. For now, however, Mann’s presence in the muddy fields of Punjab has brought a measure of reassurance to those who need it most.
