Govt orders special girdawari in Kapurthala's flood-hit areas

Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian today announced that the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann-led government has issued orders for special girdawari to compensate farmers for crop damage and other losses caused by rising water levels in rivers.

During his visit to the flood-affected villages of Baupur Jadid and Sangra in Sultanpur Lodhi, where he met the affected families, Hardeep Singh Mundian said the government has initiated the compensation process.

He said DCs have been instructed to complete the special girdawari as soon as water levels recede and submit their reports promptly, so that compensation can be provided to the affected people.

The minister also disclosed that relief operations in the flood-affected districts of Kapurthala, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur and Fazilka are being monitored by a ministerial committee. The Cabinet Ministers are visiting various districts to share the grief of affected people while continuously overseeing relief operations.

He further said Rs2 crore has been released for relief operations in Kapurthala district to ensure that distribution of ration, drinking water, medicines and livestock healthcare services.

Responding to a query, the minister said under flood prevention measures, a special campaign will be launched across Punjab to further strengthen dhussi and advanced bundhs.

He reached the affected people by boat and listened to their difficulties. Based on public demand, he also asked to deploy additional State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams to ensure relief operations face no obstacles. He distributed dry rations, medicines and drinking water to the affected people.

He instructed administrative officers to ensure continuous fogging in the areas. Besides this, department teams should conduct regular health check-ups while raising awareness among people about skin diseases and water-borne disease prevention.

Stressing special attention to livestock healthcare, Mundian ordered veterinary doctors to visit affected villages to examine livestock.

Mundian assured them that the government stands with them in the difficult time and will provide all possible assistance.

Earlier, during a meeting with administrative officers, he obtained information about water release from dams and river flow conditions.

Deputy Commissioner Amit Kumar Panchal, Chairman of Kapurthala Municipal Improvement Trust and AAP constituency in-charge Sajjan Singh Cheema, SSP Gaurav Toora and officers from other departments were also present on this occasion.