Chandigarh/Dhuri, October 15
The Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has fulfilled its promise to provide compensation/relief to flood victims before Diwali (within 30 days) by releasing the first installment of ₹209 crore for the state. Out of this, ₹3.50 crore will be distributed to flood victims in Sangrur district. Today, Punjab’s Finance and Planning Minister Harpal Singh Cheema initiated the compensation distribution by handing over sanction letters to eight flood-affected families in the Dhuri constituency.
Speaking on the occasion, he said that today, 13 Cabinet Ministers across Punjab are visiting flood-affected areas to distribute relief under Mission Rehabilitation. Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann had launched Mission Rehabilitation in Ajnala by distributing ₹5.70 crore in cheques to 631 farmers. He noted that, for the first time in the country, farmers have been given ₹20,000 per acre as compensation. The Punjab Government stands with its people in every moment of joy and sorrow.
He stated that heavy rains and floods caused widespread crop damage across the state. Many people’s homes and other buildings collapsed. Relief will be provided to every affected family after assessing their losses. For the first time, each damaged house will receive ₹40,000, compared to the earlier amount of ₹4,000. Farmers will receive ₹20,000 per acre for crop damage.
He said that Punjab and Punjabis have always stood by victims of natural calamities. However, the Central Government discriminates against Punjab and Punjabis in every field. He demanded that the Central Government release the ₹1600 crore announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Punjab visit at the earliest. He clarified that the ₹240 crore released by the Centre is part of the annual installment.
Cheema claimed that the Punjab Government, with the cooperation of the people, tackled the floods with full strength. Had timely rescue and relief operations not been initiated, the damage would have been far greater. Commending the Sangrur district administration, he said that a breach in the Ghaggar River would typically occur at 747 feet of water, but this time, the situation was managed even with 755 feet of water.
Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Rahul Chaba provided details of the efforts made to combat the floods in Sangrur district and thanked the Punjab Government for releasing the compensation amount. He said that, following the Punjab Government’s instructions, advance arrangements were made to deal with the emergency. Despite heavy rainfall, no breach occurred in the 41-kilometer stretch of the Ghaggar River passing through Sangrur district.
Present on the occasion were Punjab State Food Commission member Jasvir Singh Sekhon, Additional Deputy Commissioner Amit Bamby, SDM Rishabh Bansal, Dhuri Market Committee Chairman Rajwant Singh Ghuli, Anwar Bhasaur, Soni Mander, and a large number of people.
