How Many Acres and Lives Have Been Affected by the Punjab Floods?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Three lakh acres and 1.25 lakh people affected by floods.
- State government has initiated crop inspections for compensation.
- Over 3,300 individuals rescued by disaster response teams.
- Eight relief camps established for displaced families.
- Efforts underway to expedite drainage and restore connectivity.
Chandigarh, Aug 31 (NationPress) Punjab's Additional Chief Secretary Anurag Verma reported on Sunday that due to severe flooding in the region, approximately three lakh acres and around 1.25 lakh people have been adversely affected.
After conducting a review of flood relief operations in Ferozepur and Fazilka districts, Verma, who also serves as the Financial Commissioner for Revenue, instructed officials to ensure that relief efforts for the impacted families remain consistent and uninterrupted.
He toured villages adjacent to the Sutlej river in Ferozepur and engaged in discussions with residents suffering from the floods.
Verma noted that the state government has initiated a special 'girdawari' (crop inspection) to facilitate compensation for the crops that have been damaged.
He emphasized that district authorities must gather precise data on the extent of the losses, mentioning that compensation will be disbursed as per the directives of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann.
In just Ferozepur district, nearly 107 villages and about 45,000 people have been impacted.
Some displaced families have been relocated to eight relief camps established by the state administration, where they are receiving food and essential supplies.
In reference to Gatti Rajoke village, Verma highlighted residents' concerns regarding the sluggish drainage of floodwaters.
He instructed the Drainage department to accelerate de-watering efforts using JCB machines.
Due to waterlogging on roads, several villages have lost connectivity; thus, the administration has been tasked with expediting restoration efforts.
The Additional Chief Secretary mentioned that with the assistance of the National Disaster Response Force and the Border Security Force, over 3,300 individuals have been rescued.
He assured that the state government remains vigilant and has already coordinated calculations with relevant departments regarding the release of water from dams in anticipation of further heavy rainfall or to regulate drainage if the rain subsides.
Following his visit to Ferozepur, Verma convened a meeting with officials at the Sub-Divisional Magistrate office in Jalalabad to assess ongoing flood relief efforts in Fazilka district.
He directed the Deputy Commissioner and other officials to guarantee that relief work proceeds without interruption and that every affected individual receives the necessary assistance.
Verma reassured that there are adequate funds available for relief operations, with the state government ready to release funds as required.
The Drainage department has been instructed to maintain close surveillance over the embankments and drainage systems along the Sutlej to prevent any further breaches.
He mandated that the natural water flow in the drains must remain unobstructed, and any identified blockages should be cleared immediately to avert overflow.