MLA Sukhpal Khaira blames state, Centre for floods

Chairman of the All-India Kisan Congress and MLA, Bholath, Sukhpal Khaira has blamed the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab and the BJP-led Centre for the catastrophic floods.

Addressing the media, he said the floods have ravaged Punjab and caused unprecedented destruction to lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure. He said, "The floods, were triggered by poor water management, neglected infrastructure, and unplanned urban development. These have exposed the failures of both governments in safeguarding the people of Punjab."

He said, "The AAP government’s inaction in maintaining and upgrading critical infrastructure such as dams, canals, and drainage systems has led to this avoidable catastrophe. The lack of timely desilting of rivers and canals, coupled with encroachments on floodplains, has worsened the impact of heavy rainfall. Similarly, the Centre’s failure to provide adequate support and funding for flood preparedness and disaster management has left Punjab vulnerable. This dual negligence has resulted in massive crop losses, destruction of homes, and tragic loss of lives."

As the crisis looms, he put forth certain demands to address the plight of farmers, families, and citizens. "Firstly, a high-level judicial inquiry, headed by a sitting judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, must be constituted to investigate the causes of this man-made disaster and fix responsibility on those accountable for the lapses in flood management. Their second demand is that an immediate compensation of Rs. 50,000 per acre be handed over to the farmers who have suffered extensive crop losses due to flooding."

Khaira listed more steps required in this direction, "A grant of Rs 2.50 lakh should be provided to families whose homes have been damaged or destroyed by the floods to aid in repairs and rebuilding. An ex gratia of Rs 10 lakh to be disbursed to the families of individuals who lost their lives in this tragedy, ensuring dignified support for those grieving. A one-year moratorium on the repayment of bank loans and interest for farmers, to be implemented by the Punjab Government, to alleviate the financial burden on those affected by the floods. Punjab floods must be declared a national calamity and a relief package of Rs 25,000 crore should be allocated to address the extensive losses incurred by the state."