Relief, restoration ops underway in flood-hit Punjab, Centre and state roll out action plans

Restoration and relief operations have commenced in flood-affected areas of Punjab, with both the Union and state governments stepping up measures to rebuild infrastructure and provide compensation to affected communities.

Union Minister of State for Transport, Harsh Malhotra, announced on Friday evening that repair work on national highways and connecting roads damaged by the recent floods had begun to ensure smooth traffic movement. During his visit to flood-hit villages in Kapurthala district, Malhotra highlighted the extensive damage, which had not only devastated crops but also caused significant loss of life and property.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi has deputed eight Union ministers to assess the damage in Punjab. The central government will extend all possible support to compensate the people of the state,” Malhotra said. He criticised the Aam Aadmi Party-led state government for what he called an inadequate response but praised district officials for their proactive efforts to assist residents. Malhotra was accompanied by senior BJP leaders, including former Union minister Som Parkash.

Meanwhile, the Punjab government has rolled out a relief package, offering Rs 20,000 per acre in compensation for crop losses, with additional financial support for other damages, determined through surveys. Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has instructed that all assessments and girdawaris be completed within 40 days.

Congress MP Dr Raj Kumar, who met with Deputy Commissioners to review the process, stressed the need for impartial and expedited surveys. He also announced a personal sanction of Rs 50 lakh for urgent repairs on the Dhussi and Kukkadan bunds in Hoshiarpur district, with full reconstruction planned before the next monsoon season. “We will ensure that people do not have to face such devastation again. Both the Punjab government and I stand firmly with the people in this difficult time,” he said.

With the Centre focused on restoring connectivity and the state providing immediate financial relief, authorities are working to balance urgent repair work with long-term rehabilitation for flood-affected families.

Medical camp offers services free of cost

In Nasirabad village near Phagwara, a free medical camp was organised under the leadership of Jarnail Nangal, Chairman of the Improvement Trust Phagwara and Aam Aadmi Party’s SC Wing Doaba Zone in-charge.

Accompanied by local doctors and panchayat representatives, Nangal said the camp aimed to address post-flood illnesses such as fever, cough, skin infections and vomiting, which have spread in waterlogged areas.

While medical efforts continue, the state government’s announcement that flood victims would receive compensation within 45 days has drawn criticism.

Shiv Sena (UBT) state press secretary Kamal Saroj argued that the timeline was too long given the urgent situation. “Families whose homes have collapsed cannot remain in tents for over a month. Farmers whose crops have been destroyed need seeds and fertilisers immediately. Compensation must be provided within 10 to 15 days to help victims recover,” Saroj said.

Saroj also urged the government to ensure full transparency in the use of funds, including the Rs 1,600 crore in grant aid released by the Centre and donations from various organisations. “Every rupee must reach the needy and no victim should be left out. Corruption in compensation distribution will not be tolerated,” he added.