Chandigarh, Sept. 5 -- As Punjab reels from the worst floods in over 40 years, it is the state's women officers who have emerged as key pillars in managing relief and rehabilitation operations across the worst-hit districts.

With over 1,900 villages submerged, 43 lives lost, 1.7 lakh hectares of crops damaged, and widespread destruction of livestock and infrastructure, the Majha, Doaba and parts of the Malwa belt have been among the worst affected.

Amid this unprecedented crisis, nine of Punjab's 23 districts are currently being led by women deputy commissioners (DCs), many of whom are on the frontlines, leading evacuation efforts, overseeing emergency responses, and coordinating large-scale relief work.

Amritsar DC Sakshi Sawhney, who...