Farmers block Patiala road over ‘delay’ in flood relief

Farmers from several flood-affected villages blocked a road in Patiala on Wednesday in protest against the Punjab and Central Governments over alleged “delay in providing compensation for massive losses caused by floods along the Ghaggar river”.

The protesters said over 20,000 acres of farmland in more than 100 villages had been inundated, causing large-scale devastation to crop and homes. “Our fields are still waterlogged, and we have received no concrete assurance or relief so far,” said a protesting farmer.

The agitation came nearly 20 days after Union Ministers Raksha Nikhil Khadse and Shripad Naik visited flood-ravaged areas in Patiala district, including Jand Mangoli, Untsar, Kami Khurd and Chamaru villages. During the visit, Khadse had directed the Subdivisional Magistrate (SDM) to conduct a comprehensive survey to ensure that compensation reaches all affected families directly. She had reiterated that the Centre stood firmly with Punjab in this difficult time.

However, the farmers alleged that the ministers’ visit was nothing more than a “photo opportunity” and claimed that no tangible help had reached the ground. They demanded that both state and Central Governments announce and disburse compensation immediately. They warned of an intensified protest if their demands continue to be ignored.