Will the Centre Leave No Stone Unturned in Alleviating the Suffering of Flood-Hit People?

Chandigarh, Sep 10 (NationPress) Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement of a relief package worth Rs 1,600 crore after assessing the flood relief operations in Punjab, Governor Gulab Chand Kataria stated on Wednesday that the Central government, alongside the state, would not spare any effort in easing the challenges faced by the affected individuals.

"The Prime Minister assured me of his commitment to provide maximum assistance to Punjab," the Governor remarked.

After conducting an aerial survey of the flood-affected regions earlier in the day, the Governor informed the media that while water levels have begun to recede, the destruction to homes and agricultural lands is substantial.

While visiting the ailing Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann at a private hospital in Mohali, the Governor shared details of his aerial survey of the flood-stricken areas as he returned from Pathankot to Chandigarh.

"Even though the water levels are decreasing, the extent of damage to properties and crops is extremely significant. The central government, working together with the state government, is determined to alleviate the suffering of the impacted populace," he stated.

This declaration comes amid criticism from state Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema and his Cabinet colleagues, who labeled the Prime Minister's relief package as a "cruel joke" on those affected by the floods.

"The PM's visit was merely a photo opportunity. After weeks of enduring an unprecedented natural disaster, the Prime Minister's meager aid package fails to address the extensive losses faced by farmers, laborers, disadvantaged communities, businesses, and infrastructure, which amount to tens of thousands of crores," Cheema expressed in a statement.

Defending the relief package, the Governor explained that the Centre has initially allocated a grant.

"Further grants will be considered once Central teams arrive in Punjab to evaluate the actual damages. Following this assessment, any additional support possible—whether for individuals, housing, or livestock—will be provided. Overall, the situation remains optimistic," he added.

The Governor expressed appreciation to the Prime Minister for surveying the flood-impacted areas and sanctioning Rs 1,600 crore, in addition to the Rs 12,000 already allocated to the state relief fund.

Upon arriving in Chandigarh from Pathankot, the Governor went directly to visit the Chief Minister.

"The Chief Minister indicated that his health is improving. I also shared the positive details of my discussion with Prime Minister Modi with him," the Governor mentioned.

In response to the financial aid announcement, the Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly, Partap Singh Bajwa, remarked that with losses nearing Rs 20,000 crore, the Centre's announcement represents less than eight percent of the damages—a mere fraction of what the state urgently requires.