Jyoti Foundation adopted 14 border villages for reconstruction

Published on: 27 Sep 2025 at 04:37 PM

Published by: preeti mahajan

More than 4,500 relief kits distributed, providing assistance to more than 12,000 citizens

Fact News Service, September 27

After the last 25 days of ongoing flood relief operations in the border area of Fazilka, Jyoti Foundation has formally adopted 14 flood-affected villages to empower them with reconstruction, rehabilitation and disaster-management preparedness, with the completion of the first phase of relief operations, taking steps towards recovery from emergency rescue and rescuing people from this situation.

During the first 15 days of the relief operations, Jyoti Foundation worked for 8-9 hours a day, leading extensive rescue operations through boats to evacuate families and animals trapped in the flood, provide first aid, provide emergency relief and rescue from snakes. According to estimates, 12,988 people were affected, 3,309 families were affected, 7,365 acres of arable land were submerged and more than 8,000 animals were affected.

Now with the water level receding, the foundation has started the second phase of relief and recovery work. More than 4,500 family relief kits have been distributed and direct assistance is being provided to more than 10,000 citizens in 14 villages. Medical teams are taking necessary steps to prevent outbreaks of diseases like malaria, dengue and diarrhea and disinfection campaigns like fogging, chlorination and testing of water samples are ongoing.

Jyoti Foundation reactivated the school in the border village of Gulaba Bhaini and actively worked to maintain the school, clean it, fog, install solar lights and remove mud and debris so that the children can resume their studies safely.

Ajit Brar, founder of Jyoti Foundation, who is personally leading the relief efforts, said, “When you are in a rescue boat and you see families calling and waving from rooftops for food and water, you realize that these are not just statistics – it is a matter of saving lives. Relief is essential, but recovery is equally important.”

The second phase of relief efforts will focus on long-term recovery. Jyoti Foundation has appointed architects to design infrastructure that can withstand floods and disasters. Also, programs are being organized to sensitize people about disaster training and preparedness. It aims to empower communities to be sustainable and resilient to disasters, with a special focus on the most vulnerable sections of society.

Strategic partnerships have already been secured to provide long-term relief to people trapped in this difficult time. In this context, Zomato has pledged to provide long-term ration assistance to all 14 adopted villages, while Seeds India has provided shelter, utensils and wash kits. In addition, important initiatives to overcome this situation are being discussed.

Prabhakiran Brar, chairperson of Jyoti Foundation, said that apart from providing material to the flood affected people, the main objective is to bring out the shock of the children who have witnessed this terrible devastation with their own eyes.

It is noteworthy that Jyoti Foundation is a non-profit organization that is strongly working for water security, environmental sustainability, disaster management and public health in Punjab and beyond. Through evidence-based interventions and strong community collaboration, the Foundation is always ready for relief and disaster management.