Pathankot/Gurdaspur: In a significant development following the widespread devastation caused by heavy monsoon rains, the central government has officially designated Punjab as a “severely flooded” state. The announcement follows recent visits by Union Ministers Jitendra Singh and Jitin Prasada to the flood-ravaged districts of Pathankot and Gurdaspur, where they conducted on-ground assessments of the damage.
This declaration marks a crucial step in Punjab’s road to recovery, as it paves the way for increased financial assistance from the Centre. With large swathes of farmland, homes, and public infrastructure damaged in what experts are calling the worst floods in the region since 1988, the state is now eligible for enhanced support through the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme.
Under this provision, Punjab will receive a soft loan of Rs 595 crore, repayable over 50 years. These funds are earmarked specifically for the restoration of public infrastructure—roads, bridges, schools, and other essential facilities that were either washed away or rendered unusable due to the deluge.
While compensation for crop loss falls under a separate mechanism and remains unchanged under the central guidelines, there is positive news for those who lost their homes. The declaration will enable the state to provide higher financial relief to homeowners who suffered structural damage during the floods.
In parallel, the Punjab government had earlier raised the compensation for crop loss to Rs 20,000 per acre—substantially higher than the Rs 6,800 per acre offered under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). This move is expected to benefit thousands of farmers who saw their standing crops destroyed during the inundation.
A high-level meeting, led by Chief Secretary K.A.P. Sinha, is scheduled for Friday to identify specific sectors where further funding is required. The state will be outlining its priorities to the Centre for additional financial aid to expedite recovery efforts.
Officials say the declaration not only brings in much-needed funds but also underscores the severity of the crisis, potentially fast-tracking further relief measures from both state and central agencies.
With vast areas still submerged and many residents displaced, the state faces a long path to normalcy. However, the Centre’s recognition and financial commitment have sparked cautious optimism among officials and citizens alike.
