Punjab Floods: Chouhan Assures Full Relief for Farmers
Amritsar/Gurdaspur, Sept 4: Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday visited flood-affected regions of Punjab, assuring distressed farmers that the Central Government would provide complete relief. He personally inspected submerged fields, met affected families, and described the situation as “dreadful.”
Ground Assessment of Crop Damage
Chouhan toured Ghonewal village in Amritsar, Begowal in Kapurthala, Dharamkot Randhawa, and Behrampur in Gurdaspur. Walking through waterlogged fields, he witnessed crops destroyed by the overflowing Ravi river. Farmers expressed fear of losing the next sowing season due to heavy silt deposits.
“Crops are completely ruined, and over 1,400 villages are affected. The pain and loss are unimaginable, but I assure you that the government stands with you. Full relief will be provided,” he said.
Governor’s Report and Central Teams
Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria handed Chouhan a detailed flood report at Amritsar airport, highlighting losses in agriculture, infrastructure, and displacement. Acting on PM Narendra Modi’s directions, the Centre has deployed two high-level teams with officials from Agriculture, Rural Development, Jal Shakti, Finance, Roads, and Energy ministries. They will consult locals and prepare a comprehensive assessment.
Punjab’s Role in National Security
Expressing solidarity, Chouhan said Punjab has always been the “shield of the nation” and now deserves full support. “I came here on the instructions of Prime Minister Modi to stand with Punjab. Together, we will overcome this disaster,” he said.
Widespread Flood Damage
The floods have devastated all 23 districts of Punjab, with 37 deaths reported so far. Crops spread over 1.48 lakh hectares lie destroyed. Villages in Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Fazilka, Kapurthala, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Hoshiarpur, and Amritsar are worst-hit. Many families have taken shelter on rooftops and higher areas as water entered homes and cattle sheds.
Schools, colleges, and universities have been ordered shut until September 7. Relief camps have been set up, though some villagers prefer staying in their homes despite risks.
Relief and Rescue Operations
Army teams are strengthening embankments, clearing water channels, and distributing food. NGOs and Sikh organisations are providing rations, medicines, and fodder for stranded livestock. The Punjab government has started a special girdawari (loss assessment) to speed up compensation payments.
Political and Public Response
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, visiting Ferozepur, appealed for nationwide solidarity: “Whenever the country faced a crisis, Punjab always stood by it. Today, Punjab is in crisis, and I hope the country stands by us.”
Cabinet Ministers and AAP leaders also visited embankments along the Beas River to review the situation.
The tragedy has drawn support from across India. Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan and Punjabi icons like Sonu Sood, Diljit Dosanjh, Gippy Grewal, Karan Aujla, Ammy Virk, Ranjit Bawa, and Kapil Sharma extended solidarity with affected families.
Looking Ahead
The combined state and central assessment reports will guide compensation packages and recovery plans. Soil restoration schemes are also being explored to prepare farmlands for the next crop cycle. With Punjab facing its worst floods since 1988, authorities remain on high alert, focusing on saving lives, livestock, and livelihoods.
