How is Punjab Addressing Flood Relief and Rehabilitation?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Appointment of nodal chairmen to oversee flood relief.
- Assessment of damage in 2,303 villages.
- Focus on immediate relief and long-term rehabilitation.
- Collaboration with local administrations to ensure effective support.
- Initiatives for medical assistance and sanitation drives.
Chandigarh, Sep 14 (NationPress) The Punjab Revenue Minister, Hardeep Singh Mundian, announced on Sunday that the government has appointed nodal chairmen and members to aid in evaluating the damage caused by floods and to ensure the efficient implementation of relief and rehabilitation operations.
In his statement, he highlighted that the recent floods have led to significant devastation across Punjab.
The government has pinpointed 2,303 villages that require immediate assistance for essential relief efforts and resettlement.
To facilitate this, nodal representatives have been designated to collaborate with district administrations and assigned nodal gazetted officers.
According to the minister, “These chairmen and members will oversee the distribution of relief supplies, assist in evaluating losses in crops, damage to homes and livestock, and expedite claims for impacted families to ensure that compensation and assistance are rendered without delay.”
Emphasizing the government's commitment to rehabilitation, Mundian noted that those affected by the floods need not only immediate relief but also medical camps, support for livelihoods, and resettlement options.
He stressed that nodal appointees will operate as the government’s support mechanism in the villages, providing prompt medical care, sanitation initiatives, and the restoration of essential services while working to create livelihood opportunities for families that have been displaced.
The Revenue Minister instructed all Deputy Commissioners and Sub-Divisional Authorities to fully cooperate with the nodal representatives by sharing relevant information and resources to facilitate seamless coordination at the village level.
Meanwhile, the government has issued a notification outlining measures to restore normalcy in towns, including cleanliness, access to potable water, and preventive health interventions.
As per the notification, all Municipal Corporation Commissioners and others have been directed to treat this mission with urgency. In light of the severe flooding and waterlogging caused by the Ravi, Beas, Satluj, and Ghaggar rivers and their tributaries, as well as heavy rainfall, Local Government Minister Ravjot Singh stated that a primary task is to ensure cleanliness.
He mentioned that silt, sand, and other debris will be cleared in towns affected by flooding.
The government plans to launch a special initiative for cleaning up such silt and debris, as well as for maintaining road gullies and city drains by urban local bodies.