Many parts of North India including Punjab, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, New Delhi, and more witnessed record-breaking rainfall in the first session of monsoon. While every state came up with its own security measures, it was Punjab that presented an example to remember. The land of five rivers witnessed AAP leaders especially Sushil Rinku working on the ground with the rescue team and authorities in order to evacuate people from the flood-affected areas. There is a saying that the adversary brings out the real characters of the people, similarly, there are 5 women Deputy Commissioners of Punjab who are being hailed by the people for their proactive and valiant approach in order to save people from the flood-affected areas and even providing them with basic amenities including food till the threat of flood passes away from the state. True Scoop News brings you a list of 5 Deputy Commissioners of Punjab who are rightly being termed as the 'Wonder Women of Punjab'.
1) Surabhi Malik- Ludhiana Deputy Commissioner
Among the multiple areas affected by the flood one was Ludhiana. Sutlej and its tributaries overflowed and its water submerged crops and entered houses in Ropar, Anandpur Sahib, Moga, Ferozepur, Jalandhar, Nawanshahr, Fazilka, Ludhiana, and Tarn Taran. Talking specially about Ludhiana, a flood-like situation was witnessed in most parts of the city as rainwater entered houses of people and societies. Last Tuesday, the situation has become critical due to the breach of Budda Darya in Ludhiana. Also, water came on the road on Tajpur Road in Ludhiana due to the breach of Budda Darya dam. Reportedly, water overflowed from the river and started filling the adjacent residential areas like Guru Ram Das Colony, CMC Colony, Village Kakka, etc. Water has been filled up to 3 to 5 feet in the area. Such adverse situation was handled greatly by Ludhiana Deputy Commissioner Surabhi Malik who not only visited the flood-affected areas but also issued advisory videos for the people. The swollen water of Satluj and the release of drainage water from Mohali, Fategarhj Sahib to Patiala and Ludhiana has kept Ludhiana DC Surabhi Malik on her toes as well. Surabhi Malik has remained proactive and presented stellar working in such an unprecedented situation along with her team by helping people affected by floods.
Recently, she asked everyone to keep houses clean, eat cooked vegetables, wash hands as and when required, and immediately visit the nearest Aam Aadmi Clinic if anyone faces any infections or fever. She also requested everyone to follow all the do’s and don'ts that will be shared shortly.
2) Shenu Duggal- Fazilka Deputy Commissioner
There are 15 districts in Punjab that have been adversely affected by floods, Among those 15, one is Fazilka as well. As per reports, Sutlej and its tributaries overflowed and its water submerged crops and entered houses in Fazilka. In such an adverse situation, Fazilka Deputy Commissioner Shenu Duggal has also worked day and night and ensured that the people in her districts get evacuated safely. For instance, Shenu Duggal engaged in rescue work and prepared her team for a field visit, evacuation program, shelter management, distribution ration, medical care, and more especially after the Bhakra Management announced to release of 16,000 cusecs of water. She put all arrangements in place so that there is no man-made disaster take place in such calamity.
3)Sakshi Sawhney- Deputy Commissioner Patiala
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While the Punjab flood kept the State government on its toes, it was the flood-like situation at Ropar-Patiala Highway Chitkara University that garnered nationwide attention. Due to a breach in the Satluj-Yamuna Link (SYL) post the incessant rains, Chitkara University, Neelam Hospital, and nearby areas were flooded with water. At least 2000 students were left stranded at the university. However, Deputy Commissioner Ropar Preeti Yadav arrived at the spot by herself and her timely request to the Indian Army helped the stranded students in their evacuation. Indian Army evacuated 2000 students and water level raised in Ropar. Multiple videos also went viral and evenSakshi Sawhney's video surfaced on social media in which she was seen present at the spot accessing the situation on the ground. To address the grievances, Patiala Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney requested people to reach out to her or on the helpline number 0175-2311321. "There is no need to panic. We are continuously monitoring the situation and teams are working at Badi Nadi and there is no breach in it as such," said Patiala Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney in a statement. Notably, Patiala has been among the worst affected area by floods. As per reports, Sawhney who was handling the flood situation in Patiala returned home after a week and met her three-year-old daughter. DC Sakshi Sawhney indeed presented a great example for the women of India.
4) Aashika Jain- Deputy Commissioner Mohali
Chandigarh and its satellite districts of Panchkula and Mohali in Haryana and Punjab, respectively, faced flood threats. Deputy Commissioner Mohali, Aashika Jain's story is no less than an inspiring movie. As per reports, Deputy Commissioner Mohali Aashika Jain was also present at the spot when Mohali was under the threat of flood. Reportedly, Deputy Commissioner Aashika Jain would take a quick five-minute break to rush to her car to her one-year-old toddler. There were also times when Jain would request her staff to bring her son to locations like Derabassi, where she led flood control operations. Jain was quoted saying, "My son is just a year old and the rescue operation demanded my presence round-the-clock it was very challenging." With the situation finally improving in Mohali, it can be said that Jain's dedication and bravery towards her work have earned her massive respect not only in the world of bureaucracy but also among the locals who witnessed her in front of their eyes.
5) Preeti Yadav- Deputy Commissioner Ropar
Ropar also witnessed flood-like situations and many people have to be rescued from the danger zone. Deputy Commissioner Ropar Preeti Yadav was also present at the spot overseeing the rescue and evacuation work. Notably, when Deputy Commissioner Ropar Preeti Yadav was at the spot helping others in rescue, she got a call from her home and came to know that flood waters have entered her house as well and her daughters were inside it alone. However, Preeti Yadav remained at the spot and only left from there after people were evacuated. Preeti Yadav was quoted saying that the days were long and exhausting. Preeti worked continuously for 72 hours without sleep and stayed in the field making frequent visits to the affected areas.
While Punjab is still recovering from the flood, the 5 DCs of the state have emerged to be local heroes for the people they rescued.