Harbhajan Singh pitches in with relief work in flood-hit Punjab
Chandigarh (PTI): Former India spinner and Rajya Sabha MP Harbhajan Singh has stepped in with relief measures for his flood-ravaged home state Punjab, sanctioning boats and ambulances while also mobilising funds through his personal network.
Through his MPLAD fund, Harbhajan has sanctioned eight steamer boats for relief operations and added three more from his own resources, a source close to him told PTI.
“Harbhajan donated 11 steamer boats in all. Eight from his MPLAD fund and three more from his own pocket. Each boat cost around Rs 4.5 to Rs 5.5 lakh. He has also bought three ambulances for smooth transfer of serious patients to nearby hospitals,” the source said on conditions of anonymity.
Punjab has been battling a severe flood situation over the past few weeks, triggered by heavy monsoon rains and breaches in river embankments, leading to large-scale displacement of people and damage to crops. Several districts remain waterlogged, with the state government and voluntary groups pressed into rescue and relief work.
The cricketer-turned-politician also reached out to his wide circle of friends and well-wishers for support.
According to the source, one sporting organisation responded to Harbhajan’s request with a donation of Rs 30 lakh, while two of his close friends contributed Rs 12 lakh and Rs 6 lakh respectively.
“Around Rs 50 lakh has already been collected and donated,” the source said, adding that essentials like food and medicine are also being regularly supplied to the affected families.
Harbhajan, who represents Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the Rajya Sabha, has been actively monitoring the situation and has assured that further assistance would be provided as and when required.
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Road crash in UP leaves 10 dead
Lakhimpur Kheri (UP) (PTI): Ten people were killed when a van collided head-on with a truck on the Sisaiya-Lakhimpur national highway on Monday, police said.
The van was going to Sisaiya from Lakhimpur when the accident took place between Unchgaon and Bharehta villages.
Circle Officer of Dhaurahra, Shamsher Bahadur Singh, said all nine passengers travelling in the van and the driver were killed.
District Magistrate of Lakhimpur Kheri Anjani Kumar Singh told reporters that the van collided with a truck coming from the opposite direction, leading to nine casualties on the spot, while one succumbed to injuries at the district hospital.
Circle Officer, Dhaurahra, Shamsher Bahadur Singh told PTI, "Efforts are on to establish the identity of other deceased persons."
The seven of the deceased have been identified as Jaideep Singh (25), Pawan (23), Sohan (21), Ram Goyal (42), Sahajram (35), Pappu (18), all residents of Bahraich district and Adnan Khan (15), a resident of Lakhimpur Kheri district, police said.
Condoling the loss of lives in the accident, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in a post on X, said, "The loss of life in the unfortunate road accident in Lakhimpur Kheri district is deeply distressing and heart-wrenching. My condolences are with the bereaved families."
"I have directed the local administration to provide prompt and adequate assistance to the injured and the victims. I pray to Lord Shri Ram to grant the departed souls a place at His divine feet and to bestow a speedy recovery upon the injured," Adityanath said on X.
Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak too condoled the loss of lives in the accident.
"The loss of lives resulting from the road accident in Lakhimpur Kheri district is deeply tragic and heart-wrenching. My deepest condolences go out to the bereaved families," Maurya said.
