What Measures is PM Modi Taking to Address Punjab's Flood Crisis?

Chandigarh, Sep 1 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached out to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday to address the severe rainfall and flooding affecting the state. This call came right after he landed in New Delhi following his visit to China, as reported by official sources.

The PM expressed his commitment to provide all necessary assistance to Mann, according to the sources.

Highlighting that Punjab is enduring its most severe floods in recent times, Chief Minister Mann reassured the citizens that the state government stands by them during this critical period, vowing to take every possible action to support them.

During a rapid assessment of the flood-impacted regions in Hoshiarpur, Mann engaged with residents at the Shelter Home located at Government Senior Secondary School, Miani.

In this interaction, he acknowledged the extraordinary destruction caused by natural disasters across the state, while emphasizing that the government is undertaking extensive rescue and relief efforts for those affected by the flooding.

Mann noted that the state administration has initiated various measures to provide assistance to those in this unprecedented crisis. He emphasized a commitment to supporting the individuals in the flood-affected districts, with directives issued to evacuate residents from inundated areas and swiftly provide them with aid.

All departmental units across the districts have been instructed to collaborate effectively to ensure maximum relief reaches those in need during this challenging time, he added.

Mann affirmed that the state government intends to compensate individuals for every financial loss incurred, stating that he is consistently monitoring the evolving situation caused by this natural calamity.

He also visited Rara Bridge to assess the conditions in the flood-stricken areas. Mann revealed that he has previously addressed a letter to the Prime Minister, urging the release of Rs 60,000 crore that is currently held up with the Centre.

The Chief Minister indicated that the recent floods have impacted over 1,000 villages across the state, affecting millions of residents. He explained that heavy monsoon rains, combined with water releases from dams, have led to extensive flooding in more than 10 districts. The situation remains critical, with concerns that conditions may worsen in the coming days.

Currently, roughly three lakh acres of agricultural land, predominantly paddy fields, are submerged, resulting in significant crop losses just weeks ahead of harvest. Furthermore, Mann reported a considerable loss of livestock, significantly affecting rural households reliant on dairy and animal husbandry. A robust multi-department workforce is already operating tirelessly on the ground to complete relief and rescue operations.

Efforts to repair breaches along inundated rivers are underway, and medical teams are being dispatched to provide preventive healthcare against diseases in every village.