Has PM Modi Provided Rs 11,000 Crore to Punjab for Disaster Management?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- PM Modi's allocation of Rs 11,000 crore for Punjab.
- Importance of timely girdawari by the state government.
- Rescue efforts by NDRF have saved over 15,000 lives.
- BJP criticizes AAP for alleged negligence.
- Historical context shows previous successful flood management.
Chandigarh, Sep 5 (NationPress) BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh stated on Friday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has allocated Rs 11,000 crore to Punjab for disaster management. He emphasized that it is now the duty of the Bhagwant Mann government to conduct girdawari for estimated assistance.
Chugh asserted that the Modi administration stands firmly with Punjab during this challenging time. He noted that Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Chouhan has conducted a firsthand review of the situation, reinforcing the government's support for every farmer.
According to Chugh, two Central teams have been dispatched to Punjab following the Prime Minister's directives, with senior officials from agriculture, rural development, energy, finance, roads, and Jal Shakti departments evaluating the damage.
He expressed his appreciation to PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for releasing Rs 11,000 crore for the NDRF, whose dedicated efforts have rescued over 15,000 individuals, including children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with disabilities from the floodwaters.
However, Chugh heavily criticized the Aam Aadmi Party government for what he described as a 'man-made disaster' in Punjab.
He recalled that the IMD had forecast above-normal rainfall as early as April 15, and the BBMB's technical committee on April 23 recommended lowering reservoir levels to create buffer space.
Instead of taking action, the Mann government deployed police at the Bhakra gates, halted water releases, and turned the issue into a political spectacle.
Chugh pointed out that the outcome is evident — delayed, sudden releases of 65,000 cusecs from Bhakra and 80,000 cusecs from Pong that ravaged downstream villages.
He referenced a time when Atal Bihari Vajpayee was Prime Minister and Parkash Singh Badal was Chief Minister, noting that embankments along the Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, and Ghaggar rivers were reinforced to safeguard crops.
Chugh lamented that illegal mining and negligence have since weakened these defenses, allowing floodwaters to invade villages.
He questioned why flood preparedness meetings occurred only 17 days before the monsoon, stating that extensive planning was necessary.
Chugh accused CM Mann and his cabinet of campaigning in Delhi for Arvind Kejriwal instead of focusing on Punjab's needs.
“Even after losing Delhi, they did not learn. They continued indulging in festivities and hosting Kejriwal and Sisodia at the expense of Punjab taxpayers while Punjab was submerged,” Chugh remarked.
He concluded that Punjab's current plight is not due to a natural disaster, but rather the direct result of AAP's negligence and 'reckless politics.'