Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann (Image Source: X)
National News: The devastating floods that ravaged Punjab this year spared no one — neither humans, nor their dreams, nor even the voiceless creatures who could not ask for help. Entire villages were submerged, lives were uprooted, and livelihoods were washed away. Amid this catastrophe, which affected more than 3.5 lakh people across 1,400 villages, a remarkable story of compassion and courage emerged. It was a story where the Bhagwant Mann government and countless brave hearts stood together to save not only human lives but also the lives of innocent animals. At the end of August, when the Sutlej and Beas rivers unleashed their fury, more than 15 lakh animals were trapped in rising waters. Their cries for help echoed through submerged villages, painting a heart-wrenching picture of suffering.
To meet this unprecedented crisis, the Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development, and Fisheries swung into action. Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khuddian informed that 481 veterinary teams were deployed, each consisting of four members — a veterinary officer, veterinary inspector/pharmacist, and support staff. These teams worked tirelessly, often risking their own lives to provide relief and treatment to stranded animals. One such rescue brought tears to many eyes. Gurchan Singh, a dairy farmer from Pathankot’s Pamma village, recalled seeing his 12 buffaloes stranded in deep, muddy water.
“I thought I had lost everything,” he said. “But when I saw boats coming not only to rescue us humans but also my animals, I felt hope again.” Thousands of such stories emerged as more than 22,534 animals were treated and given a second chance at life.
Despite his own health struggles during the crisis, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann personally oversaw the operations. His clear directive was simple yet powerful:
“No living being, whether human or animal, will be left behind.” This philosophy transformed the flood relief mission into a comprehensive, life-saving operation. Cabinet Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian ensured veterinary teams reached even the remotest areas. In Fazilka, his department distributed 5,000 bags of animal feed alongside human rations, proving that compassion was for all living beings.
Meanwhile, organizations like Kalgidhar Trust stepped up, reaching 5,000 people across 125 villages and delivering essential fodder for animals. In total, the department distributed 12,170 quintals of feed and 5,090.35 quintals of green and dry fodder, boosting the immunity and survival chances of livestock.
Advanced technology was at the heart of the rescue efforts. Drones were deployed to locate animals trapped on rooftops, while boats navigated narrow village lanes to reach isolated cattle sheds. Thanks to these efforts, over 5.16 lakh animals were saved. In Fazilka, one rescue deeply touched the team. Dr. Amarjeet Kaur, an AAP leader, shared: “We found a cow protecting her newborn calf even after being trapped for three days. When we lifted both of them into the boat, there were tears in everyone’s eyes. That moment made us realize the true value of our work.”
Despite these heroic efforts, the floods claimed many lives. According to Minister Khuddian, in 14 districts, including Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Kapurthala, Barnala, Bathinda, Hoshiarpur, Tarn Taran, Patiala, Jalandhar, Roopnagar, and Moga, the toll was tragic:
The government’s relief work went beyond immediate rescue. Special drainage systems were used to dry over 1,000 acres of waterlogged land, creating safe spaces for animals. Principal Secretary Rahul Bhandari announced a Rs 31.50 lakh fund for the treatment of flood-affected animals and directed officials to respond swiftly to all crisis calls. Additionally, Rural Development Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond led the third phase of relief operations, distributing animal feed alongside human rations — a clear sign of the government’s inclusive philosophy.
The 2025 Punjab floods will be remembered not just as a natural disaster but as a testament to Punjab’s humanity. In the face of immense suffering, the Mann government, social organizations, and countless volunteers showed what true leadership looks like — protecting every heartbeat, whether human or animal. Control rooms have been established to provide 24x7 assistance at both state and district levels.
This tragedy has left behind a powerful message: when we extend our compassion to every living being, we don’t just save animals — we save our very humanity.
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