Union Minister Seth meets flood-hit people, says Modi ‘concerned’ about state

Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth on Sunday visited the flood-affected areas of Ferozepur district and reviewed the ongoing relief and rehabilitation measures.

Seth, who is on a two-day visit, also met senior Army officers to review operational preparedness.

The minister visited 33 villages and assured locals of all possible assistance.

While interacting with locals at Nihala Kilcha village, Seth said Prime Minister Modi was concerned about Punjabis. “We don’t know what the state government will do, but the Centre will make all possible efforts to resolve the problems of farmers, who have been affected due to the floods,” he said. During his visit to border villages, including Gatti Rajo Ke and Navi Gatti Rajo Ke, the villagers sought proprietary rights of the land that they had been tilling since ages.

The villagers, whose land was situated across the fencing, demanded relocation of barbed fencing closer to the zero line. Seth said the Centre was trying to find a permanent solution to their issues.

“I have directed the DC to ensure that all affected farmers should receive their compensation before Diwali, irrespective of whose name the land is registered,” said Seth.

The minister expressed concern after villagers informed him that the patwari had yet not visited their area for loss assessment.

“Whenever tension rises between India and Pakistan, it is we who suffer the most. On top of that, we also have to face recurring floods almost every year. We have been cultivating this land for years, but whenever our crops are destroyed due to floods, we receive no compensation. Our ownership rights over the land should be granted to us,” said Surjeet Singh of Nihala Kilcha village.

Senior BJP leader Rana Sodhi said, “I have apprised the minister regarding the issues being faced by border villagers, including permanent transfer of land.”

Produce on 40K acres lost in Ferozepur

Standing crop on 40,000 acres was damaged in 113 villages during recent floods in Ferozepur district, according to an initial assessment. Deputy Commissioner Deepshika Sharma said 38,614 people were impacted by the deluge while two people died due to it.

As many as 76 heads of cattle died during the calamity, she added. The DC said the survey to assess crop loss and other damage would be completed by October 10, while compensation disbursement would begin the next day.