Big Relief for Flood-Affected Farmers in Punjab
Chandigarh – Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has announced a major relief package for flood-affected districts. Under the “Jisda Khet, Usdi Ret” (Whose Land, Their Sand) scheme, farmers will receive ₹7,200 per acre for removing sand and silt deposited in their fields due to floods.
Farmers Allowed to Remove and Sell Sand from Fields
Addressing the Punjab Assembly special session, CM Mann said farmers are permitted to remove the accumulated sand from their fields and sell it if they wish. The government will provide direct financial support under this scheme.
Increased Crop Damage Compensation
CM Mann further announced enhanced compensation under SDRF norms:
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26–33% crop loss: Raised from ₹2,000 to ₹10,000 per acre
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33–75% crop loss: Raised from ₹6,800 to ₹10,000 per acre
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75–100% crop loss: Raised from ₹6,800 to ₹20,000 per acre
Of this, the Punjab government will contribute ₹14,900 per acre, the highest in India.
Support for Farmers Who Lost Land to Rivers
Farmers whose land was washed away by rivers will receive ₹47,500 per hectare (₹18,800 per acre) in compensation.
Financial Aid for Damaged Houses
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Completely damaged houses: ₹1.20 lakh
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Partially damaged houses: Raised from ₹6,500 to ₹35,100
Special Girdawari Already in Progress
A special survey (girdawari) is being conducted to assess flood damages within a fixed timeline.
Aid Distribution Before Diwali
The Punjab government will start distributing compensation from October 15, ahead of the Diwali festival, ensuring timely relief for flood-hit families.
Collaboration with IITs and Thapar University for Weather Forecasting
To improve disaster preparedness, Punjab is working with IIT Kharagpur, IIT Bangalore, and Thapar University Patiala on advanced weather prediction systems. Thapar University will even launch its own satellite for accurate forecasts.
Demand for Increased Central Assistance
CM Mann urged the Government of India to raise flood compensation to ₹50,000 per acre, criticizing the Centre’s relief package of ₹1,600 crore as inadequate. He alleged that SDRF’s ₹240 crore share was also included in this package.
Strong Words Against Centre’s Attitude
Mann accused the Centre of treating Punjab unfairly compared to poll-bound states like Bihar, where larger relief packages were announced. He criticized BJP leaders for turning flood visits into “photo-ops” instead of offering genuine help.
Acknowledgment of Social Workers and Volunteers
CM Mann praised NGOs, social workers, and volunteers from other states who adopted villages, provided ration, and helped in relief and resettlement. He also thanked the Army and NDRF for deploying modern equipment in rescue operations.
Opposition Criticism Countered
Responding to the Opposition, Mann defended the “Rangla Punjab Fund”, created to collect CSR contributions and donations for flood victims. He compared it to the National Defence Fund during the 1962 India-China war, when Punjabis contributed gold and money for the nation.
Punjab Government Committed to Rehabilitation
The CM assured that the state will focus on rebuilding and resettlement, including the creation of water recharging points in several districts to raise groundwater levels and prevent future disasters.
