Will Punjab Minister Goyal Get PM Modi's Support for Flood Victims?

Chandigarh, Sep 8 (NationPress) Punjab Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal has called upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi to extend his generosity in assisting the individuals affected by recent floods in the state.

Goyal appealed to the visiting PM to promptly announce a release of at least Rs 25,000 crore as compensation for the damages incurred, in addition to clearing outstanding dues of Rs 60,000 crore without further delay.

He expressed his apprehension that, although the Prime Minister is visiting Punjab nearly 25 days post-disaster, he has yet to acknowledge the state's distress.

Goyal noted that preliminary assessments indicate that roughly 4 lakh acres of crops have been devastated. Despite no breaches in the embankments managed by the Water Resources Department, overflowing waters have inflicted damage on embankments and other infrastructure.

Significant projects will be necessary for recovery once the floodwaters subside, which will demand considerable financial backing. He informed the media that the Mandi Board has endured significant losses due to impaired roads.

Approximately 3,300 school and college buildings have been compromised, alongside the collapse of thousands of electricity poles and the submergence of several transformers.

He emphasized the urgent need for funds to restore these facilities, criticizing the Union Government for its perceived neglect toward Punjab.

While other states affected by natural disasters receive swift assistance, Punjab has been left waiting for relief announcements. He emphasized that while the Centre expedited relief materials to earthquake-stricken Afghanistan, Punjab continues to await substantial help.

The Cabinet Minister pointed out that social and charitable organizations nationwide are actively aiding flood victims in Punjab, while the Union Government remains preoccupied with merely collecting reports, despite the visible tragedy.

He criticized Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan for his comments linking floods to mining, labeling the remarks as “insensitive” and disrespectful to Punjab’s suffering.

Responding to a question, Goyal stated that Punjab currently possesses approximately Rs 13,000 crore in the Disaster Management Fund; however, the Centre’s stringent conditions hinder the state from utilizing these funds. He urged the Union Government to ease restrictions so that the people of Punjab can benefit.

Discussing the Centre’s discriminatory stance, the Water Resources Minister mentioned that despite the discovery of potash reserves in Punjab's border region, no notable measures have been taken. In contrast, Rajasthan was swiftly granted drilling permissions at 150 locations, while Punjab received permission at only nine sites. He recalled having raised this issue with the Union Minister months ago, but no action followed.