Chandigarh, Sep 26 (NationPress) Punjab Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal on Friday introduced a resolution during a special session of the Vidhan Sabha, advocating for a significant assistance package of Rs 20,000 crore aimed at supporting flood-affected families, farmers, and restoring infrastructure throughout the state.

In an extensive address discussing the “Rehabilitation of Punjab” resolution, he criticized the indifferent approach of the Union Government, labeling the relief package announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as mere routine funding, lacking genuine support.

The Cabinet Minister recalled Punjab's historical contributions, highlighting its role as the food bowl of India, protecting national borders during conflicts, and making substantial sacrifices during times of crisis. He expressed deep disappointment over the Government of India’s neglect during one of the state's most serious natural disasters.

Goyal remarked that this year's floods exceeded even the devastation of 1988, affecting over 2,300 villages and nearly 20 lakh people, with more than 5 lakh acres of crops destroyed and around 7 lakh people displaced. Additionally, more than 3,200 schools, 19 colleges, and 1,400 hospitals and clinics faced destruction, alongside nearly 8,500 km of roads and 2,500 bridges damaged or washed away.

He noted that joint surveys conducted by state departments estimated initial losses to be around Rs 13,900 crore, yet the Centre's response was a mere Rs 1,600 crore, which he deemed a routine payment rather than an extraordinary grant. He pointed out that Punjab has yet to receive any of this amount.

The Water Resources Minister criticized the Prime Minister's announcement as a profoundly insufficient response that failed to acknowledge the severity of the disaster. He emphasized that the state's residents expected compassionate action rather than mere symbolic gestures.

Goyal highlighted that this year's inflow peaked at 14.11 lakh cusecs, surpassing the 11 lakh cusecs recorded in 1988, which was nearly 20 percent higher. He stated that around 10 lakh cusecs entered Punjab through various channels. Faulty predictions from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) exacerbated the disaster; for instance, the IMD forecast of 21 mm rain on August 24 was met with an actual 163 mm, a staggering 717 percent increase.

Such glaring inaccuracies, he argued, demonstrated a complete lack of oversight from the central agency.

Goyal also criticized the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) for worsening the disaster by delaying water release decisions due to rigid protocols for inter-state meetings. Punjab had requested water release at a level of 1,660 feet, but the board delayed until it reached 1,665 feet, jeopardizing lives and property.

Regarding de-silting efforts, the Cabinet Minister mentioned that the Beas River was designated as a Ramsar site without consultation with the water department, which has hindered essential de-silting and mining since 2017, leading to significant silt accumulation.

He stated that river embankments were reinforced ahead of time, breaches were effectively managed, and flood protection efforts were executed rapidly. The Dhussi bandhs and embankments on the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej rivers remained intact, while extensive channelization of the Ghaggar River prevented breaches for the first time in fifty years, saving approximately Rs 400 crore in potential damages. At Khanauri, water levels remained at 750.7 feet for nine consecutive days without any breaches.

Goyal urged the Centre to transcend political considerations and extend genuine empathy to Punjab. He asserted that the demand for Rs 20,000 crore is not only justified but crucial for rebuilding lives, farms, roads, schools, and healthcare facilities. Anything less, he warned, would signify a betrayal of Punjab’s immense contributions to the nation.