Chandigarh, September 12: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday announced that the state government would ensure relief for all flood-affected residents within 45 days.
Chairing a high-level meeting at his official residence, Mann outlined a detailed plan to address the unprecedented floods that have hit Punjab severely for the first time in four decades. “As a farmer’s son, I understand the sufferings of farmers very well,” he said. “I will not sleep peacefully until every farmer gets compensation for crop loss.”
The Chief Minister recalled that his government had recently announced Rs 20,000 per acre in crop damage compensation—the highest in the country and in the state’s history. “During previous governments, it used to take years to receive compensation, and farmers already struggling with crop loss had to visit government offices repeatedly,” Mann noted.
To expedite relief, Mann directed a special Girdawari (crop damage assessment) to begin on September 13. Officers from less-affected districts will be sent to the hardest-hit villages to inspect fields and prepare reports. Farmers will have one week to raise objections to ensure corrections are made before disbursing compensation. “No matter what the crop is, if there is damage, compensation will be given,” the Chief Minister said.
For villages where crops were entirely destroyed, Mann stated the process would be completed within a month, with cheques distributed immediately. “Earlier, compensation used to take a full year,” he said. “Now it will be done in a month or one and a half months because an honest government is serving the people.”
The Chief Minister also announced relief measures for damaged homes and livestock. Families whose houses were completely destroyed will receive Rs 1,20,000, while those with partial damage will get Rs 40,000. “Previously, governments provided only Rs 6,800 for minor damage,” Mann noted. Livestock losses will also be compensated, including Rs 37,500 for cows or buffaloes and Rs 4,000 for goats, with provisions for bulls, horses, chickens, fish farming, and other animals. Compensation for homes and livestock will begin on September 15 and be completed within 45 days.
Mann emphasized strict oversight of the relief effort. “I will monitor this daily, and if any officer fails to meet the deadline or acts negligently, strict action will be taken,” he said.
Acknowledging the human toll of the floods, Mann said 55 lives have been lost, with relief cheques already issued to 42 families. “Although we cannot bring back those who have died, the government is doing its best to ensure timely support for affected families,” he added.
During the meeting, Mann also reviewed the latest water flow and flood situation with Deputy Commissioners attending virtually. He instructed officials to clear district mandis for paddy procurement by September 16 to support farmers. Additionally, he asked for medical camps to be organized in villages and said the state would seek relaxation of rules for house damage compensation from the central government.
The Chief Minister concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to citizens. “The state government stands with the people in this hour of crisis, and we will ensure relief reaches everyone without delay,” he said.
