Rajya Sabha MP Seechewal launches boat to rescue flood-hit farmers

Environmentalist and Rajya Sabha member Balbir Singh Seechewal has launched a specially designed large boat on the Beas River to aid families devastated by floods in Punjab’s Mand region. The 34-ft-long, 13-foot-wide vessel, built within just three days at the Sant Avtar Singh Memorial Technical Research Centre, is capable of transporting a tractor, a combine harvester and nearly three dozen animals at once. It runs on a small petrol engine, offering much-needed logistical support to flood-affected villages.

Prior to the launch, prayers were held for Sarbat da Bhala (welfare of all) and farmers were advised to inform in advance when transporting livestock or machinery to safer grounds. Local leaders from Baupur and Sangra welcomed the initiative, highlighting that existing boats were inadequate for the needs of the three severely affected villages.

Seechewal—widely known as the “guardian” of the region—is renowned for grassroots innovations such as the revival of the Kali Bein rivulet and the development of the “Seechewal Model” for wastewater management. His latest initiative comes after weeks of direct involvement in relief efforts following the August 10 embankment breach. At that time, he had reached the flood zone with a motorboat and excavator to assist stranded families.

During Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal’s visit to the mand region on September 4, farmer representatives handed over a memorandum demanding that the Beas River be allowed to retain its natural flow rather than being canalized. They argued that recent encroachments by the river into farmlands were due to its diverted course. Kejriwal assured that their demands would be conveyed to the Punjab Chief Minister.

Appealing for unity, Sant Seechewal called on all political parties to set aside differences in times of crisis. “This work is not political. It is a service to humanity inspired by Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s message of Sarbat da Bhala,” he stated. He also appealed to NRI Punjabis to support farmers during the upcoming wheat sowing season by contributing diesel, seeds, fertilisers, and financial assistance.

Meanwhile, continuous rainfall across Punjab has triggered building collapses and widespread damage. In Kapurthala, old structures collapsed in Shergarh and Aman Nagar; however, no casualties were reported.

Relief operations are gaining momentum with active community participation. The Janata Seva Samiti has donated 70 tarpaulins to shelter displaced families, while Shri Vishwakarma Charitable Hospital Trust has sent medicines for distribution in the flood-hit villages.

In the political sphere, Congress leader Balwinder Singh Dhaliwal has urged the government to allow farmers to remove sand and silt from their fields without needing prior approval. He warned that such restrictions could worsen soil infertility and delay recovery for already distressed farmers.

Jalandhar