Punjab Faces Worst Floods in 50 Years, Demands Urgent Help from Centre: Harpal Singh Cheema (Image Source: Social Media/File Photo)
National News: Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Saturday described the devastating floods in Punjab as the worst in five decades, painting a grim picture of the disaster. Relentless rainfall in Punjab and neighbouring hilly states has caused unprecedented destruction, severely affecting nearly 2,000 villages across all districts. So far, 43 deaths have been reported in 14 districts, with more than 4 lakh citizens impacted. The agricultural sector has suffered massive losses, with 1.72 lakh hectares of farmland destroyed across 18 districts. Additionally, thousands of homes, livestock, and public infrastructure have been severely damaged.
The Ghaggar River’s water level has crossed its danger mark of 750 feet, intensifying the flood situation.
Addressing a press conference at Punjab Bhawan, Cheema said the Punjab government has acted promptly and compassionately to protect its citizens. He stressed the urgent need for the BJP-led Union Government to rise above politics and provide full support to the state during this crisis.
Cheema announced that the government has successfully evacuated over 22,000 people to safer locations. To provide immediate shelter, around 200 relief camps have been set up, currently housing over 7,000 displaced individuals. Relief and rescue operations are being carried out tirelessly by 24 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and 2 State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams. These teams are supported by 144 boats and a government helicopter, working around the clock to ensure safety and rescue stranded citizens.
The Revenue Department has released ₹71 crore for immediate relief measures. Cheema shared that the entire Punjab Cabinet and all MLAs have pledged one month’s salary to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. In addition, Aam Aadmi Party MPs from Punjab have committed their discretionary funds to aid flood victims.
The Excise and Taxation Department also contributed ₹50 lakh to relief work.
Cheema revealed that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 31, urging the Centre to release ₹60,000 crore owed to Punjab. This includes pending GST compensation, RDF & MDF funds, and amounts due under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. The CM also requested amendments to SDRF and NDRF rules to ensure adequate compensation for flood victims.
The Finance Minister strongly criticised PM Modi’s silence, stating that it has been 25 days since the letter was sent, yet there has been no response. “It is shocking that while aid is extended to Taliban-led Afghanistan for earthquake relief, no empathy is being shown towards the people of Punjab,” Cheema said.
Expressing disappointment over the Centre’s response, Cheema alleged that Union Ministers have only visited flood-hit areas for photo opportunities, without announcing any relief packages or financial aid. He emphasised that Punjab’s citizens need real support, not publicity stunts.
Cheema also dismissed the Centre’s allegations that illegal mining was a major cause of Punjab’s floods.He called it a biased and baseless claim, questioning why the Centre does not blame illegal mining for floods in other states. “This shows clear discrimination against Punjab,” he said.
Concluding the press conference, Cheema said that while the Union Government claims to be assessing the damage, it has not even requested official data from Punjab. He urged the Centre to immediately release pending dues of ₹60,000 crore and dispatch urgent relief funds to support the state’s recovery.
“The Union Government has utterly failed Punjab in its time of crisis. We demand justice and immediate action,” Cheema declared.
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