Punjab CM Mann Announces 10-Day Drive to Clear Flood-Affected Villages of Silt and Debris

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday announced a Rs 100-crore rehabilitation and cleanliness drive for flood-hit areas of the state. He said that although water levels have started to recede, mud and filth still cover many villages and towns. To bring life back to normal, the state government will launch a large-scale cleaning campaign in 2,300 affected villages and wards. Special teams with JCB machines, tractor-trolleys and workers have been formed to remove debris and ensure thorough cleaning in each village.

Proper Disposal, Fogging, and Fund Allocation

The Chief Minister expressed concern that many animals may have died during the floods, and these teams will ensure their proper disposal. Thereafter, cleaning and fogging will be carried out in each village to prevent the spread of diseases. He said the state government has allocated ₹100 crore for the entire campaign, of which ₹1 lakh is being released as initial funds to each affected village. Bhagwant Singh Mann added that this fund will also cover other requirements and that the state government will bear the entire cost of the cleaning operation. Setting a time frame for this campaign, the Chief Minister said that by September 24 all villages will be cleaned and freed from mud and debris, and by October 15 repair work at public places will be completed. Similarly, he said that by October 22 the cleaning of ponds will be completed, for which the government has already made all necessary arrangements. Bhagwant Singh Mann appealed for cooperation from non-governmental organizations, youth clubs, and other bodies in this noble work, just as everyone had united to fight this natural disaster.

Medical Camps and Ambulances for Flood Victims

The Chief Minister said it is extremely important to ensure that no disease spreads after the floods and that any person with health issues receives immediate medical assistance. For this purpose, he said, the state government will set up medical camps in all 2,303 flood-affected villages. He added that in 596 villages where Aam Aadmi Clinics already exist, medical camps, health facilities, and medicines will be provided there. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that in the remaining 1,707 villages, these medical camps will be set up in common places such as schools, dharamshalas, anganwadi centers, or panchayat buildings.

The Chief Minister said that each camp will have doctors, medical staff, and healthcare facilities. He added that the state government has arranged 550 ambulances for this special campaign so that there is no delay or difficulty in providing medical services to the people of the affected villages. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that according to reports so far, around 2.5 lakh animals in 713 villages have been affected by the floods, and to prevent the spread of diseases among them, the government has launched a special campaign to assist livestock owners.

Animal Care and Vaccination Drive

The Chief Minister said veterinary teams have been deployed in all villages, and a special campaign is being run to clean and disinfect areas where animals are kept. He said debris and spoiled fodder will be removed from these areas, and farmers will be provided potassium permanganate to disinfect fodder and water. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that vaccination of all affected animals will be completed by September 30 to prevent the spread of diseases. The Chief Minister said that though any help may seem insufficient to farmers in this time of crisis, the government is determined to put in its full effort. He said paddy procurement is about to begin in Punjab, and arrangements have already been made to start procurement in mandis from September 16. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that flood-affected mandis are being cleaned and repaired on a large scale, and by September 19 these mandis will also be ready for procurement.

CM Slams BJP, Calls for Unity in Punjab’s Recovery

Reiterating that the state government is making every possible effort to assist flood-affected people, the Chief Minister expressed hope that Punjab will emerge stronger and united from this disaster. He announced his resolve to make Punjab once again a “Rangla Punjab” (Vibrant Punjab). Taking a jibe at the BJP, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the anti-Punjab face of the BJP has been exposed as they did not help the state during difficult times and are now trying to divert attention with futile talk. The Chief Minister said that the people of Punjab are directly asking the BJP when and how much money the central government has given to the state. He said that the answer to this question will reveal the truth clearly, but BJP leaders are avoiding it because it will expose their real face. He advised BJP leaders not to indulge in petty politics with Punjab during such hard times, as Punjabis never forget such things. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that as far as the funds received from the Centre and their expenditure are concerned, the report makes the picture clear. Giving details, he said the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) was created in 2010, and since then ₹5,012 crore has been credited to this fund, of which ₹3,820 crore has been spent over the years on relief work during natural disasters. The Chief Minister said that instead of raising such issues, everyone should unite to help the people of Punjab. He said all Punjabis need to rebuild the state devastated by the floods. Bhagwant Singh Mann said the state government will leave no stone unturned in this noble work.