Punjab govt orders special girdawari for flood-damaged crops amid rising river waters

Punjab Revenue, Rehabilitation, and Disaster Management Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian announced today that the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab Government has issued orders for a special girdawari to compensate for crop damage and other losses caused by rising water levels in rivers.

During his visit to the flood-affected villages of Baupur Jadeed and Sangra in Sultanpur Lodhi, where he met with affected families, Hardeep Singh Mundian informed that the Mann government has initiated the compensation process for crop losses. He stated that Deputy Commissioners have been instructed to complete the special girdawari as soon as water levels recede and submit their reports promptly so that appropriate compensation can be provided to affected people.

The Revenue Minister also disclosed that relief operations in the flood-affected districts of Kapurthala, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, and Fazilka are being monitored by a ministerial committee. The Cabinet Ministers are visiting various districts to share the grief of affected people while continuously overseeing relief operations.

He further said that Rs 2 crore have been released for relief operations in Kapurthala district to ensure that the distribution of rations, drinking water, medicines, and livestock healthcare services continues for affected people.

Responding to a query, the Cabinet Minister said that under flood prevention measures, a special campaign will be launched across Punjab to further strengthen dhussi and advance bundhs. He stated that dhussi bundhs are completely secure at present.

The Cabinet Minister reached affected people by boat and listened to their difficulties. Based on public demand, he also asked to deploy additional SDRF (State Disaster Response Force) teams to ensure relief operations face no obstacles. He distributed dry rations, medicines, and drinking water to affected people.

He instructed district administrative officers to ensure continuous fogging in affected areas. Besides this, health department teams should conduct regular health check-ups while raising awareness among people about skin diseases and water-borne disease prevention.

Stressing special attention to livestock healthcare, Mundian ordered veterinary doctors to visit affected villages and habitats to examine livestock. While saluting the courage of affected people, he assured them that the Mann government stands with them in these difficult times and will provide all possible assistance.

Earlier, during a meeting with administrative officers at the rest house, the Cabinet Minister obtained information about water release from dams and river flow conditions. Deputy Commissioner Amit Kumar Panchal, Chairman of Kapurthala Municipal Improvement Trust and AAP constituency in-charge Sajjan Singh Cheema, SSP Gaurav Toora, and officers from other departments were also present on this occasion.