Is the Centre Really Supporting Punjab Farmers in Crisis?

Amritsar, Sep 4 (NationPress) Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shivraj Chouhan visited the flood-impacted villages in Punjab, specifically in Amritsar, Kapurthala, and Gurdaspur districts, on Thursday. He engaged with farmers, even venturing into knee-deep flooded fields to evaluate crop damages, reassuring them that "the BJP-led Central government stands with them during this challenging time".

While interacting with the farmers, they expressed their concerns about the extensive damage to their crops, particularly paddy, which was nearing harvest.

The Union Minister responded, stating: "Brothers and sisters, there is no need to worry; the government is here for you."

Upon arriving in Amritsar in the morning, Governor Gulab Chand Kataria met with the Union Minister at the airport, presenting a comprehensive report regarding the flood situation, while other officials briefed him on the ongoing crisis.

Following this meeting, the Union Minister embarked on his day-long visit. He acknowledged the severity of the situation, describing it as "very serious; the crisis is dire".

"The deluge has submerged and completely destroyed crops. Approximately 1,400 villages are severely affected. Fields have been inundated with water since August 26, with the Ravi waters flowing through them. There is no solid ground beneath, only silt has settled. Current crops are ruined, and the next season's yield is also at risk. The extent of pain and loss is incalculable," Union Minister Chouhan was quoted as saying.

Chouhan expressed his empathy, stating, "Witnessing the circumstances makes my heart ache, but we will surely assist our farmer brothers and sisters out of this predicament. It's challenging, yet we will exert every effort possible to provide relief."

On Prime Minister Narendra Modi's directive, the Central government dispatched two high-level teams, comprising officials from various ministries, to assess the situation in Punjab.

These teams will visit the affected regions, evaluate the crisis, and prepare a report for the Central government.

The Union Minister emphasized that the entire nation is proud of Punjab, noting that the state has historically served as a bulwark for the country during crises.

"I want to convey that I have come on the Prime Minister's instructions, and during this time of distress, the government stands firmly beside our Punjab farmers and its citizens. We will undoubtedly assist the farmers in overcoming this catastrophe," he stated.

He commended the local community for being actively engaged in relief efforts during such challenging times.

For the past nine days, the residents of the Ajnala constituency in Amritsar have been enduring severe hardships due to the devastating floods caused by the Ravi River.

To evaluate the situation and ongoing relief operations, Union Minister Chouhan made a special visit to the severely impacted border village of Ghohanewala.

He was accompanied by local MLA and former Cabinet Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, state ministers, former ministers, MLAs, leaders from the Aam Aadmi Party, along with senior civil and police administration officials.

During his visit, Shivraj Singh Chouhan was briefed on the immediate relief efforts being provided to victims, life rescues, and rehabilitation initiatives.

He was also informed about the effective roles played by the Governor, the Indian Army, the BSF, the NDRF, other government agencies, and various social and religious organizations during this crisis.

On this occasion, Dhaliwal urged the Union Minister for immediate central support for the relief and rehabilitation of affected individuals.

He explained that the Ajnala constituency is situated along nearly 49 km of the India-Pakistan international border, where every year the Ravi River causes destruction and loss of life and property.

Border residents, along with the BSF, Punjab Police, and civil administration, consistently act as a second line of defense against cross-border threats such as smuggling, arms trafficking, narcotics, and infiltration.

They have always remained resilient during the wars of 1965, 1971, 1999 (Kargil), and most recently during Operation Sindoor.

Dhaliwal informed the Union Minister that since Independence, the farmers and laborers of this region have transformed barren and forested land into fertile fields through their dedication and hard work, significantly contributing to the nation’s food grain reserves.

Earlier, Dhaliwal submitted a memorandum requesting an immediate financial package of Rs 2,000 crore in the first phase for flood relief and rehabilitation for Ajnala residents, along with the release of pending Rs 60,000 crore owed by the Centre to the Punjab government.

In detailed discussions, Dhaliwal pointed out that the current floods in the Ravi are even more devastating than those in 1988.