Bhagwant Mann Announces Major Flood Prevention Project, Reiterates Tough Stand on Sacrilege Cases

Ahead of the monsoon season, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday laid the foundation stone for a link road along the Dhussi Bandh in Shahkot, a project estimated to cost ₹61.82 crore. The initiative aims to strengthen flood protection infrastructure in the region. Addressing a large public outreach programme, or "Lok Milni," in Shahkot, the Chief Minister stated that the canal water (surface water) irrigation projects implemented across the state this year would significantly help reduce the impact of floods. During his address, Mann also responded to criticism from the Shiromani Akali Dal over Panthic issues and a viral video controversy. Reaffirming the government's commitment to taking strict action in sacrilege cases, he said the new anti-sacrilege law would ensure severe punishment for offenders. The Chief Minister said that the government is fully committed to ensuring strict penalties for those found guilty of desecrating Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. He noted that it was distressing to see accused individuals previously moving freely or obtaining bail. According to him, the new law has been framed in a manner that ensures no offender can escape punishment. The legislation includes provisions for life imprisonment and fines of up to ₹50 lakh. Speaking about flood-prone areas and the significance of the link road project, Mann remarked that prevention is always better than cure. He said the project would serve as a preventive measure against flood-related damage and emphasized that the government's priority is to protect people and property rather than distribute compensation after disasters occur. The Chief Minister also directed the Deputy Commissioner of Kapurthala to ensure the use of the highest-quality materials in the execution of the project. Expressing hope for a successful agricultural season, Mann said he prayed that farmers' crops would reach markets safely without any damage and that they would receive good returns for their produce. Referring to flood management efforts, he stated that only 22 percent of irrigation in Punjab was previously dependent on canal water, but the current government has increased that figure to 80 percent. According to him, this development is expected to substantially reduce the risk of flooding across the state. The Dhussi Bandh Link Road project will span 37.93 kilometres and be constructed at a cost of ₹61.82 crore. The project is expected to directly benefit thousands of residents across more than 15 villages in the area. The foundation stone-laying ceremony was attended by Rajya Sabha MP Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal and several other prominent personalities from the region.