Former Indian cricketer and current Rajya Sabha MP Harbhajan Singh has spearheaded relief efforts to aid flood-stricken Punjab. He has mobilized support by providing boats and ambulances and has actively engaged in fundraising utilizing his personal and professional networks. Leveraging his MPLAD fund, Singh authorized the purchase of eight steamer boats to support rescue and relief operations currently underway. Further, he personally financed the procurement of three additional boats. Punjab has been significantly affected by recent floods resulting from sustained monsoon rainfall and riverbank failures, causing extensive damage to property and widespread displacement. Relief operations are ongoing, with the involvement of government agencies and volunteers, as some areas remain inundated. Harbhajan’s contributions encompass a total of eleven steamer boats. Eight were secured through his MPLAD fund, with the remaining three funded personally. Each boat’s cost ranged from Rs 4.5 to Rs 5.5 lakh. In addition, he has also secured three ambulances to ensure the seamless transfer of severely affected patients to the nearest hospitals. Alongside government assistance, Harbhajan solicited aid from his contacts. A sports organization contributed INR 30 lakh, while two of his acquaintances provided INR 12 lakh and INR 6 lakh respectively. An estimated Rs 50 lakh has been collected and donated. Harbhajan, representing the Rajya Sabha, has been closely monitoring the situation and has pledged continuous support to facilitate recovery and rehabilitation efforts across the affected regions.
