Massive cleaning and rehabilitation drive in flood-affected areas, CM Mann announces

Punjab News:  Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday announced that a comprehensive rehabilitation and cleaning campaign will be launched in the flood-affected villages and towns of the state at a cost of Rs 100 crore. He said that the flood water is slowly receding, but now mud, dirt and debris have accumulated in the villages. In such a situation, large-scale cleaning is needed immediately to normalize life.

Cleanliness drive in 2300 villages

The Chief Minister said that the state government has formed teams for 2300 affected villages and wards. Each team will be provided with JCB machines, tractor-trolleys and labourers. These teams will not only remove mud and debris, but will also dispose of dead animals. After this, fogging and disinfectant spraying will be done to prevent the spread of diseases.

Timeline and funds

Mann said that all villages will be freed from debris and mud by September 24, while the repair work of public places will be completed by October 15. The target of cleaning the ponds has been set by October 22. A provision of Rs 100 crore has been made for this entire campaign. Initially, one lakh rupees is being given to every affected village, so that necessary arrangements can be made at the local level.

Health facilities and medical camps

The Chief Minister clarified that the danger of spreading the disease is the greatest. Therefore, medical camps will be set up in all the affected villages. While Aam Aadmi clinics already exist in 596 villages, in the remaining 1707 villages, camps will be set up in schools, dharamshalas or panchayat buildings. Doctors, medical staff and medicines will be available in these camps. The government has arranged for 550 ambulances so that medical services can reach the patients on time.

Special campaign for animals

The government has also taken steps for the safety and health of about 2.5 lakh animals affected by the floods. Teams of veterinarians will be deployed in all villages. The places will be disinfected by removing debris and spoiled fodder. Farmers will be given potassium permanganate to make water and fodder safe. Mann said that vaccination of all affected animals will be completed by September 30.

Preparation of Mandis and relief to farmers

The Chief Minister assured the farmers that paddy procurement will be done on time. There are preparations to start procurement in the mandis from September 16. Cleaning and repair of the mandis affected by the floods will be completed by September 19 so that the farmers do not face any problem. He said that in this time of crisis, every help is important for the farmers and the government is standing with them with full strength.

Targeting BJP

Taking a dig at the BJP, Mann said that they did not help Punjab in difficult times and are now making baseless statements. He raised the question that the account of how much funds the Center has given to Punjab and how much has been spent should be placed before the public. The Chief Minister said that from 2010 till now, Rs 5012 crore has come in the State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF), out of which Rs 3820 crore has been spent during natural disasters.

A call for solidarity

The Chief Minister said that this is the time to rise above politics and help the people of Punjab. He appealed to all organizations, youth clubs and voluntary organizations for cooperation. Mann expressed confidence that Punjab will come out of this disaster unitedly and will again become 'Rangla Punjab'.