Is the Flood Situation in Haryana Worsening Due to Government Inaction?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Hooda visits flood-affected areas to assess damage.
- Criticism of government’s compensation processes.
- Calls for direct financial aid to impacted farmers.
- Historical context of government response to floods.
- Demands for comprehensive relief packages from the Central Government.
Rohtak, Sep 7 (NationPress) Former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Hooda visited flood-stricken regions for the second day in a row, engaging with residents and urging administrative officials to prioritize relief efforts.
In statements to the press, he emphasized that the ongoing flood and waterlogging crisis in the state is dire, attributing it to the government's failures.
“Immediate assistance and compensation are crucial, yet rather than conducting a special girdawari to assess the damage, the government has again relegated the populace to a digital portal,” he criticized.
“For years, instead of delivering compensation, the government has been relying on this portal system. Consequently, 90% of disaster-affected individuals fail to receive aid, and even the few who do experience significant delays,” he continued. The Congress party has been advocating for direct financial support to farmers,” he added.
During his visit to the flood-affected areas of Meham and Kalanaur, Hooda drove a tractor alongside farmers and noted that all standing crops in the fields have been lost.
“Given the extensive waterlogging, the prospects for the next crop are bleak. Farmers should receive compensation of at least Rs 60,000 to 70,000 per acre,” he insisted.
“Additionally, compensation should also cover damages to homes, shops, and other structures. The Central Government should declare a relief package for flood-hit regions like Haryana, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh,” he urged.
Hooda recalled that during a similar flood in 1995, he brought the then Agriculture Minister Balram Jakhar to Haryana, where the Congress government provided compensation for every loss, including farm structures and personal property. “In contrast, the current administration focuses on stubble burning cases based on satellite imagery, while compensation remains elusive,” the two-time Chief Minister and Congress legislator stated.