Punjab Government to allow farmers to mine sand from flood-affected fields
Policy change aimed at mitigating financial losses for farmers
Farmers in Patiala's Ghanaur district pray for rain to stop as their paddy crops remain submerged in the Narwana branch of the Bhakra Canal near Sarala Head. Tribune Photo: Rajesh Sachar
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The Punjab Government is set to introduce a new policy allowing farmers in flood-affected areas to extract and sell sand deposited in their fields by recent floods.
Manish Sisodia, Punjab affairs in-charge of the ruling Aam Aadmi Party, announced this development ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's September 9 visit to assess flood damage and announce relief measures.
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Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, currently recuperating from a bacterial infection, discussed the issue with Sisodia, highlighting the unprecedented silt and sand deposition in farmers' fields. The floods have not only destroyed the kharif crop, but also threaten the next Rabi season crop due to excess sand. Sisodia's visits to flood-hit villages in Tarn Taran and Gurdaspur revealed farmers' concerns about financial difficulties if the sand isn't removed.
“The CM, too, received a similar feedback during his visits to flood-hit areas. He has expressed his desire to immediately change the mining policy and allow farmers to extract this sand from their fields and sell it,” said Sisodia.
The Punjab cabinet will discuss and approve changes to the mining policy after Chief Minister Mann is discharged from hospital.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit is expected to focus on damage assessment and relief announcements.
The state faces significant flood damage, with reports indicating substantial crop loss and displacement.
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