As Punjab grapples with one of its worst flood crises in decades, affecting over 350,000 people across 23 districts, several prominent figures have stepped forward to assist with relief efforts. Among them are Indian hockey stars Rupinder Pal Singh, Gurwinder Singh Chandi, and former player Jugraj Singh, who are actively involved in rescue and relief operations in the flood-hit state.
The devastating floods, caused by heavy monsoon rains and the release of excess water from dams, have submerged more than 1,900 villages and inundated vast stretches of farmland. With over 40 fatalities reported, the situation demands immediate and comprehensive action.
Rupinder Pal Singh, a Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist and penalty-corner specialist, described his involvement in the relief efforts as a "completely new experience". As Assistant Commissioner (Under Training) in Punjab PCS, he has been working in the Dinanagar subdivision of Gurdaspur district, where he is responsible for evacuating people from low-lying areas and providing them with essential supplies and medical assistance. Rupinder and his team have evacuated around 6,000 people in the Gurdaspur region since August 26, including 1,500 from Dinanagar. He collaborates with the NDRF (National Disaster Response Force), BSF (Border Security Force), and the Indian Army. Rupinder noted that the Gurdaspur district administration acted swiftly after the floods and that many locals joined the relief effort after learning about his hockey background.
Jugraj Singh, a legendary drag-flicker and former Indian hockey player, is also on the ground in Gurdaspur district, coordinating with the BSF, Army, police, local administration, and NDRF to rescue people and distribute essential supplies. He emphasized the importance of teamwork and highlighted the challenges of delivering relief material to those in need. Jugraj also pointed out that the toughest challenge lies in the aftermath of the floods, with the focus now on distributing relief materials and helping farmers recover their land. Jugraj noted that being a sportsperson provides an advantage in dealing with the current situation, as the ability to make quick decisions and mental and physical strength are crucial.
Gurwinder Singh Chandi, who represented India in 97 matches, including the 2012 London Olympics, is also actively involved in the relief operations. He stressed the importance of teamwork and recounted incidents of evacuating a snake-bite victim, ensuring a bride reached her wedding venue safely, and transporting a pregnant woman to a safe location where she delivered the next day.
The efforts of these hockey stars are part of a larger relief operation that involves various agencies and individuals. The Punjab government has deployed drones to deliver essential supplies to flood-hit villages. Khalsa Aid is carrying out large-scale relief operations in the affected districts, providing clean drinking water, ration bags, medical assistance, and fodder for livestock. The Red Cross Society Punjab has also flagged off trucks of relief material for the flood-affected people.
Several other celebrities and organizations have also stepped forward to support the flood relief efforts. Actor Akshay Kumar has pledged ₹5 crore for relief efforts. Sonu Sood has launched a helpline and his foundation is distributing essentials in flood-hit areas. Singer-actor Ammy Virk has pledged to rebuild 200 of the worst-affected houses, and Diljit Dosanjh has adopted ten flood-affected villages in Gurdaspur and Amritsar, providing food, medical aid, and rehabilitation support.
The Punjab floods have caused widespread devastation, with over 1,400 villages inundated and more than 3.5 lakh acres of farmland flooded. The efforts of Rupinder Pal Singh, Jugraj Singh, Gurwinder Singh Chandi, and countless others are providing much-needed relief and support to the affected communities during this difficult time.
