Farmers to get full compensation for damaged crops: Mundian

Punjab Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian has assured farmers affected by the recent floods that they will receive full compensation for crop loss, as per the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The minister was in Sultanpur Lodhi to assess the ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts in the flood-affected areas.

During his visit, Mundian emphasised that the government is committed to standing by its citizens during this natural calamity. "This is a time of crisis and the government is doing everything in its capacity to ensure timely relief and rehabilitation for all those affected," he stated.

To facilitate a speedy and transparent damage assessment, the minister said a special girdawari (revenue assessment of crop loss) has already been ordered. District Revenue Officers and Naib Tehsildars have been appointed solely for this purpose. They will focus exclusively on the special girdawari, which will commence immediately after the water levels recede, allowing the swift disbursal of compensation to the affected farmers.

As part of his ground assessment, Mundian visited the flood-hit villages of Ahli Kalan, Ahli Khurd, Baupur, and Sangra. In Ahli Kalan, villagers expressed concerns over significant agricultural damage caused by the breach of a temporary bundh (embankment), resulting in thousands of acres of crops being submerged. The local panchayat also submitted a memorandum of demands to the minister.

Travelling by boat, the minister reached Sangra village, where he interacted with affected families, distributed ration, and enquired about their immediate needs. He reassured the residents that the government is actively working to ensure that no family is left unaided during this difficult time.

Highlighting the government’s proactive approach, Mundian said boats are being provided to every flood-affected village to ensure safe evacuation and aid delivery. He also appealed to residents living in low-lying "mand" areas to voluntarily relocate to safer locations as a precautionary measure. To coordinate rescue and relief efforts, flood control rooms have been set up across the region.

In addition to food supplies, the state government is also distributing medicines, fodder for livestock, and clean drinking water to ensure that essential needs are met without delay.

Earlier in the day, Minister Mundian held a high-level meeting with officials to review the flood response. The meeting was attended by Rajya Sabha MP Balbir Singh Seechewal, Sultanpur Lodhi constituency in-charge Sajjan Singh Cheema, Deputy Commissioner Amit Kumar Panchal, SSP Gaurav Toora, Additional Deputy Commissioner Navneet Kaur Bal, District Planning Board Chairman Sarabjit Singh Lubana, and district media in-charge Inderjit Singh Jugnu, among others.

He instructed officials to carry out relief efforts on a war footing, ensuring that affected populations do not face shortages of food, water, or medical care.