Kuldeep Dhaliwal Writes a Letter to GNDU: Ask the University to Conduct a Scientific Survey of Flood-Affected Border Areas

Chandigarh(The Uttam Hindu):  Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab’s Chief Spokesperson and MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal wrote a letter to the Vice Chancellor (VC) of Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), requesting the university to conduct a detailed social and economic survey of Punjab’s border areas. MLA Dhaliwal made this demand in view of the recent flood destruction and the devastating impact it has had on the lives and livelihoods of the people of this sensitive region.

MLA Dhaliwal stated that border districts like Amritsar, Gurdaspur and Ferozepur have long been facing multiple challenges. These challenges include the historical consequences of Partition, repeated wars, continuous tension along the India-Pakistan border, and now, increasingly frequent natural disasters like floods. He said that these areas are already economically weak and socially fragile. Due to the floods, crop production has seen a severe decline, further worsening the situation.

MLA Dhaliwal stressed that due to security-related restrictions, more than 60,000 acres of agricultural land has remained unused in the past years. Hundreds of residents have fallen victim to border-related accidents, including landmines. Crop destruction and floods have pushed rural distress, unemployment, and migration to their peak. He said that his party believes that a detailed, scientific, and impartial survey conducted by the university will provide accurate data on ground realities.

MLA Dhaliwal said that GNDU is known for its academic excellence and social responsibility. The university is in a better position to lead this initiative through its departments of Sociology, Economics, Social Work, and Disaster Management. He appealed that the survey results will help guide the state and central governments in formulating effective relief, rehabilitation, and development policies.

MLA Dhaliwal told the media that he, along with MLA Dr. Jasbir Singh Sandhu, handed over the letter to the GNDU Vice Chancellor. He said that Vice Chancellor Dr. Karamjit Singh has assured them that the university will soon conduct a survey and submit the report to them. After the report is received, it will be determined why floods occur, what the reasons are, and what assistance can be sought from the Punjab government and the central government.