Ex-Indian cricketer and Rajya Sabha MP Harbhajan Singh has offered support to flood-hit Punjab by putting relief efforts into place, including sending boats and ambulances and raising funds using his personal and professional contacts.
Taking advantage of his MPLAD (Members of Parliament Local Area Development) fund, Harbhajan sanctioned the purchase of eight steamer boats to support rescue and relief operations already in place. Aside from this, he funded three additional boats personally, a source with knowledge of the situation said. The northern state has been hit by extensive flooding in the past few weeks with continuous monsoon rains and riverbank breaches, displacing residents and causing widespread damage to farms. Parts are still under water, with government agencies and volunteers conducting relief operations, according to 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 PTI source said on conditions of anonymity.
Apart from the government help, Harbhajan also appealed to his contacts for help. A sports body came forward with a contribution of INR 30 lakh, while two of his personal friends gave him INR 12 lakh and INR 6 lakh respectively, the source further stated.
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“Around Rs 50 lakh has already been collected and donated,” the source said,
AAP member Harbhajan, representing the Rajya Sabha, has been monitoring things from close quarters and has vowed to continue assistance as required to aid recovery and rehabilitation in the affected areas.
