Punjab Seeks Rs 20,000 Cr Flood Relief Ahead of PM’s Visit

In the wake of a devastating flood disaster that has submerged vast swathes of the state, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab has formally requested a colossal relief package of Rs 20,000 crore from the Central government. The demand comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to the flood-hit areas, a trip aimed at assessing the damage and reviewing ongoing rescue and relief operations.

The unprecedented floods, triggered by incessant monsoon rains and the subsequent release of water from key dams, have wreaked havoc across Punjab. According to official estimates, over 2,000 villages have been affected, with nearly four lakh people impacted. The state government has pegged the total loss at an estimated Rs 13,289 crore, highlighting the sheer scale of the devastation. However, the exact magnitude of the damage to crops, property, and livestock is still being assessed as floodwaters slowly recede.

The financial toll on the state’s predominantly agrarian economy is staggering. Officials report that crops on over 1.75 lakh hectares of farmland have been destroyed, with the highest damage reported in the Gurdaspur district. The floods have also caused significant damage to infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and power lines, further crippling the state’s ability to respond to the crisis.

The AAP government’s plea for a substantial relief package is aimed at providing immediate and long-term assistance to the affected populace. The funds, if approved, would be used for a wide range of relief and rehabilitation efforts, including:

• Compensation for Crop and Property Loss: Providing financial compensation to farmers for their destroyed crops and to families for damaged homes and belongings.
• Infrastructure Reconstruction: Rebuilding and repairing roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure that have been washed away or damaged.
• Rehabilitation of Displaced Persons: Establishing and maintaining relief camps and providing shelter, food, and medical aid to those who have been evacuated from their homes.
• Long-Term Disaster Preparedness: Investing in strengthening river embankments, improving drainage systems, and developing a robust early warning system to mitigate the impact of future floods.

The demand for a Rs 20,000 crore package, which is higher than the state’s own estimated losses, reflects the urgency and gravity of the situation. It also underscores the state government’s view that the current crisis requires a massive, coordinated effort from both the state and the Centre to ensure a comprehensive and swift recovery.

The Prime Minister‘s visit, scheduled for September 9, is being keenly watched by the state and its residents. While central teams have already conducted on-the-ground assessments, the PM’s direct interaction with the affected communities is expected to provide a firsthand understanding of the on-ground realities and could influence the final relief package sanctioned by the Centre.

The floods have also triggered a political discourse, with opposition parties like the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the Congress also demanding a special relief package from the Centre and criticizing the state government’s response. The SAD, in particular, has also called for a complete farm loan waiver for farmers in the flood-hit regions.

As rescue and relief operations continue, the focus remains on providing immediate relief to the affected population and ensuring a path to recovery. The Centre’s response to Punjab’s plea for a substantial relief package will be crucial in determining the pace and effectiveness of the state’s long and arduous recovery process.