Kewal Singh Dhillon writes to CM Mann, questions Punjab's flood preparedness
Seeks account of Rs 642.4 crore Flood Funds
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, July 15, 2026: Punjab BJP President Kewal Singh Dhillon has written to Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, expressing concern over the state's preparedness for the monsoon and seeking an account of ₹642.4 crore allocated for flood management and disaster response.
In his letter, Dhillon questioned the Punjab Government's preparedness to deal with possible flood-like situations, alleging that desilting of drains, drainage channels and flood drains remains incomplete despite the onset of the monsoon.
He said reports of cracks in river embankments and breaches in canals and distributaries have heightened public concern, while drains in urban areas and drainage channels in villages continue to remain clogged with silt, plastic waste and garbage.
"If Punjab witnesses flooding after the first spell of heavy rain, the Mann Government will be directly responsible for the damage caused," Dhillon said.
Citing figures shared by the Central Government in Parliament, the BJP leader said Punjab received ₹481.6 crore under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) during the 2025-26 financial year. Along with the state's contribution of ₹160.8 crore, the total amount available for flood management stood at ₹642.4 crore.
Dhillon asked the Chief Minister to explain how the funds had been utilised, seeking details on embankments strengthened, drains cleaned and the number of beneficiaries who had received assistance under the disaster management programme.
He maintained that the Central Government had released the funds on time and said it was now the responsibility of the Punjab Government to provide a transparent account of the expenditure.
The BJP leader also urged the Chief Minister to take responsibility for flood preparedness instead of, as he alleged, attempting to deflect attention from the government's shortcomings.