Punjab Vows Full Compensation for Flood-Hit Farmers
Government ramps up relief for crop, livestock losses.
The Punjab government has pledged comprehensive compensation for farmers and residents grappling with devastating crop losses and property damage in flood-ravaged areas, announced Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal on Wednesday. Heavy rainfall in recent weeks has triggered severe flooding across Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, swelling rivers and submerging farmlands, with Tanda in Hoshiarpur, Sultanpur Lodhi in Kapurthala, and villages in Ferozepur, Fazilka, and Tarn Taran among the hardest hit.
Goyal revealed that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is personally overseeing relief efforts, with orders issued for a special girdawari (crop loss assessment) in Kapurthala’s Sultanpur and Bholath tehsils to ensure swift compensation. During a visit to flood-affected villages in Sultanpur Lodhi, Goyal distributed dry rations by boat to residents of Sangra village, listened to their concerns, and directed officials to provide immediate assistance, including healthcare, food supplies, and livestock care.
The government has mobilized eight cabinet ministers to monitor operations across affected regions, dividing areas into sectors with assigned officers to streamline relief efforts. Goyal emphasized round-the-clock monitoring of water levels in dams and rivers, with a comprehensive report on Beas River de-silting underway to prevent future flooding, to be implemented once waters recede. The state has invested ₹276 crore in flood prevention measures, including 400,000 sand-filled bags ready at dhussi bundh embankments for emergency use.
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The Indian Meteorological Department forecasts more showers, raising concerns about further damage. Goyal assured that the government is prioritizing the relocation of residents to safer areas, alongside ensuring medical services and livestock protection. “Our focus is on immediate relief and long-term recovery,” he said, highlighting Punjab’s commitment to supporting its agricultural backbone. This follows previous efforts, with the state disbursing ₹186.12 crore in 2023 to 53,500 farmers for flood-related crop losses, reflecting a consistent push to aid affected communities.
As Punjab battles recurring floods, the government’s proactive measures aim to mitigate the economic toll on farmers, with ongoing assessments to ensure no loss goes uncompensated.
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