Special girdawari to begin today in flood-hit areas

In wake of the recent floods that caused significant damage to standing crops across the district, the Hoshiarpur administration has initiated a special relief mechanism to support affected farmers. Deputy Commissioner Aashika Jain announced that a special girdawari will commence from September 13 across the district to ensure transparent and accurate evaluation of losses.

Under this process, each patwari has been directed to conduct crop inspections in their respective villages within 14 days. Subsequently, the kanungos will verify at least 25 per cent of the affected areas and submit their reports within five days. In addition, tehsildars and naib tehsildars will inspect a minimum of 10 per cent of the damaged areas and send their reports to the DC within five days. Final compensation will be disbursed based on these verified reports.

To maintain transparency, the draft girdawari reports will be displayed publicly for seven days, allowing farmers to raise objections or suggestions. Patwaris will respond to objections within three days, followed by a review and final decision by the tehsildar/naib tehsildar within the next three days. In case of serious discrepancies, a fresh girdawari will be ordered, and strict action will be taken against negligent officials.

Highlighting the revised relief measures, DC Jain stated that the state government has enhanced compensation rates for affected farmers. Those who have suffered 26-75 per cent crop loss will receive Rs 10,000 per acre, while farmers with 76-100 per cent crop loss will be compensated at Rs 20,000 per acre. For villages or areas under the Dhussi Bundh where more than 75 per cent damage has occurred, a special committee comprising the DC, Chief Agriculture Officer, District Revenue Officer, SDM concerned and Agriculture Development Officer will finalise the list of severely affected villages within a week. The entire process is expected to be completed within 33-45 days, and compensation will be disbursed to farmers within one week of final approval.

In Kapurthala, DC Amit Kumar Panchal has announced that a special girdawari (survey of flood damages) will commence in the flood-affected areas from September 13. Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) have been appointed as nodal officers to oversee the process.

Chairing a meeting with officials from all departments today, the Deputy Commissioner said the district administration is working on a war footing to rehabilitate people affected by the floods. Panchal directed revenue officials to ensure that no affected family is left out and to inform villagers in advance about the survey through public announcements.

The DC emphasised that public health remains a top priority. Health Department teams will conduct door-to-door check-ups, distribute essential medicines, and carry out fogging operations to prevent mosquito-borne diseases .