Chandigarh– Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, while announcing a comprehensive package for those impacted by the recent floods, confirmed that the state cabinet has approved a series of measures to provide immediate relief and long-term rehabilitation for farmers, labourers, and common citizens.
Mann said that farmers whose fields have been buried under sand due to the floods will be allowed to remove it under a special desilting scheme. The sand can also be sold by farmers, as permitted under the cabinet decision. Compensation of ₹20,000 per acre will be provided for damaged crops, with cheques to be handed directly to cultivators. Families who lost loved ones will receive ₹4 lakh each, while households whose homes were destroyed will also get financial support after a government survey.
To ease financial strain, the state has extended repayment limits on loans taken from cooperative societies and government banks by six months, with no instalments or interest charged during this period. Farmers affected by livestock losses will receive compensation, and a vaccination drive will be conducted to prevent animal-borne diseases.
On the health front, fogging machines will be deployed in 1,700 villages to control the spread of vector-borne illnesses. Medical camps will be set up near homes to ensure free check-ups and medicines. Cleanup operations will be carried out in towns and villages, while damaged schools, buildings, and power grids will undergo surveys for restoration.
“The floods are a test of resilience, but the government stands firmly with its people,” Mann said, adding that he will rejoin the public soon after recovering. “I cannot stay away from the people. This disaster is nature’s blow, but every crisis will see the government standing shoulder-to-shoulder with citizens.”
