What Assistance Did PM Modi Announce for Flood-Hit Punjab?

Gurdaspur, Sep 9 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi revealed on Tuesday that a financial package of Rs 1,600 crore will be allocated to assist the state of Punjab, which has been severely impacted by floods, in addition to the Rs 12,000 crore already available to the state.

An advance release of the second tranche of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and PM Kisan Samman Nidhi was also announced. Moreover, PM Modi declared an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh to the families of those who lost their lives and Rs 50,000 to individuals who suffered serious injuries during the floods and other natural disasters.

Children orphaned as a result of the recent floods and landslides will receive extensive support under the PM CARES for Children initiative, which aims to ensure their long-term welfare. The Prime Minister conducted an aerial survey of the flood-affected regions in Punjab.

Following the survey, he convened a review meeting with officials and local representatives to evaluate the relief and rehabilitation efforts and to gauge the extent of damage incurred in the state.

PM Modi stressed the importance of a comprehensive strategy to assist the region and its residents in recovering. This approach will encompass rebuilding homes under the PM Awas Yojana, restoring national highways, reconstructing educational institutions, providing relief through the PMNRF, and distributing mini kits for livestock.

Recognizing the urgent need to back the agricultural community, additional resources will be directed specifically at farmers currently without electricity connections. Support for refurbishing bores that have been silted or washed away will be provided under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana based on a detailed proposal from the state government.

For bore pumps operating on diesel, collaboration with the MNRE for solar panel installation and assistance for micro-irrigation under the Per Drop More Crop guidelines will be facilitated.

Financial assistance for rural housing reconstruction will be extended under the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana -- Gramin through a “Special Project” proposed by the state government for households whose homes have been damaged by the floods.

Additionally, government schools that have suffered damage due to the recent floods in Punjab will receive financial support through the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan. The state government is expected to provide all necessary supporting documentation as per established guidelines.

Extensive construction of recharge structures for water harvesting will take place in Punjab under the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari initiative. This effort will focus on repairing damaged recharge structures and building new water harvesting systems, thus enhancing water sustainability.

The Union government has dispatched Inter-Ministerial Central teams to Punjab to evaluate the damage extent, and further assistance will be considered based on their comprehensive reports.

The Prime Minister conveyed his condolences to the families of those who have perished in this natural disaster, asserting that the Union Government will collaborate closely with state governments during this challenging period to provide all necessary support.

PM Modi also engaged with families from Punjab affected by the calamities and floods, expressing heartfelt sympathy for those who have lost loved ones.

He confirmed that all aid under disaster management protocols is being provided, including advance allocations to states, and praised the efforts of the NDRF, SDRF, Indian Army, state administration, and other dedicated organizations in immediate relief efforts.

The Central government will continue to assess the situation based on the state's memorandum and the Central teams' reports.

Earlier, PM Modi visited the disaster-stricken Himachal Pradesh to review the situation and damage caused by cloudbursts, rains, and landslides, announcing a financial package of Rs 1,500 crore for the state.

He reiterated the provision of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for those seriously injured in the floods and natural calamities.

Modi also conducted an aerial survey of flood-impacted regions in Himachal Pradesh, followed by an official meeting at Gaggal airport, near Dharamsala, to scrutinize the relief and rehabilitation measures undertaken and assess the damage in Himachal Pradesh.