Punjab Reels Under Worst Floods in Five Decades, Cheema Urges Centre for Urgent Support

National News: Punjab is battling its worst flood disaster in 50 years, with widespread destruction reported across the state. Continuous heavy rainfall in Punjab and neighboring hill states has triggered severe flooding, leaving a trail of devastation. According to official figures, nearly 2,000 villages have been inundated, affecting more than 4 lakh residents. At least 43 people have lost their lives across 14 districts. The agriculture sector, the backbone of Punjab’s economy, has suffered extensive losses. More than 1.72 lakh hectares of farmland have been destroyed in 18 districts, threatening the livelihood of thousands of farmers. Public infrastructure, livestock, and homes have also been severely damaged, while the Ghaggar river has risen well above its danger mark of 750 feet, worsening the crisis.

State Govt Steps Up Relief Efforts, Calls for Central Aid

At a press conference held at Punjab Bhawan, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema outlined the state government’s massive relief and rescue operations.
Cheema said the government has been working tirelessly to protect lives and property. He emphasized that this is not the time for politics and urged the Union Government to extend urgent help and financial support to the state.

Over 22,000 People Evacuated, 200 Relief Camps Operational

Providing details of the ongoing operations, Cheema informed that more than 22,000 people have been safely evacuated from flood-hit areas. To shelter displaced families, the state has set up 200 relief camps, which are currently housing over 7,000 people who have lost their homes.

NDRF, SDRF, Boats and Helicopters Deployed for Rescue

Rescue operations are being carried out round the clock by 24 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and 2 State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams.
These teams are backed by 144 boats and a government helicopter, ensuring rapid evacuation and delivery of essentials to isolated areas.

Cabinet Ministers and AAP Leaders Contribute to Relief Fund

• The Revenue Department has released ₹71 crore to bolster relief measures.
• In a show of solidarity, Punjab Cabinet ministers and MLAs have pledged to donate one month’s salary to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.
• Additionally, AAP MPs from Punjab have committed to using their discretionary funds for flood relief.
• The Excise and Taxation Department has also donated ₹50 lakh to support victims.

Punjab CM Demands Release of ₹60,000 Crore Pending Dues

Cheema revealed that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 31, urging him to release ₹60,000 crore owed to Punjab.This includes pending GST compensation, RDF and MDF funds, and dues under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. The CM also asked for changes to SDRF and NDRF rules to ensure adequate compensation for those affected by the disaster.

PM’s Silence Criticized Amid Ongoing Crisis

Expressing disappointment, Cheema slammed PM Modi’s lack of response, stating that 25 days have passed since the letter was sent with no reply received.
“It is heartbreaking that while aid is being extended to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan for earthquake relief, the people of Punjab are still waiting for help,” Cheema said.

Union Ministers Accused of Empty Photo-Ops

Cheema accused the Centre of indulging in photo-ops instead of real action. He alleged that Union Ministers have only visited the affected areas for publicity without announcing financial packages or relief plans, leaving Punjab to bear the burden alone.

Illegal Mining Allegations Dismissed

The Finance Minister strongly rejected the Centre’s claims that illegal mining is responsible for the floods in Punjab. He called the statement biased and baseless, pointing out that the Centre does not cite illegal mining as a cause when other states face similar disasters.

Immediate Financial Assistance Demanded

In his closing remarks, Cheema said that although the Centre claims to be assessing flood damage, it has not requested official data from the state. He demanded the immediate release of pending funds worth ₹60,000 crore and the swift dispatch of relief aid. “The Union Government has failed Punjab during this tragedy. We demand urgent action and financial support to help our people rebuild their lives,” Cheema concluded.