Punjab Announces Relief for Flood-Hit Farmers
The Punjab government will soon allow farmers to remove sand from their silt-covered fields once floodwaters recede. The announcement was made on Sunday by Manish Sisodia, Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) in-charge for Punjab affairs, during a press conference in Chandigarh.
Sisodia explained that the move was necessary as recent floods have left behind tonnes of sand and silt, creating a fresh crisis for Punjab’s agriculture sector. He added that the policy would be finalized and notified within “a day or two.”
The AAP leader also appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to release ₹60,000 crore, which he said the Centre owes Punjab. According to Sisodia, the funds are critical to expedite relief and rehabilitation work in the flood-hit state.
Farmers’ Concerns Over Silt-Covered Lands
During his visits to Tarn Taran, Kapurthala, and Gurdaspur districts, Sisodia met several farmers who expressed deep concerns about the heavy deposits of sand on their fields.
“While the standing crops were submerged by floods, the bigger challenge is the one-to-two-foot layer of silt that has accumulated. Farmers fear they will struggle to sow the next Rabi crop in November-December,” Sisodia said.
He added that many families also suffered additional losses, including collapsed houses and dead livestock, but farmers consistently highlighted sand deposits as their most pressing worry.
CM Mann’s Approval and Policy Details
Sisodia confirmed that he had already discussed the issue with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann during a hospital visit. According to him, the CM agreed that an immediate decision was required to permit farmers to clear their fields through sand mining.
“The Chief Minister has spoken with officials, and the policy will be announced soon. Farmers will also be allowed to sell the sand they extract from their fields,” Sisodia said.
Currently, Punjab’s mining policy prohibits excavation without prior approval. However, the upcoming amendment is expected to provide legal cover to farmers for such activity, ensuring both relief and economic benefit.
Centre Urged to Provide Pending Funds
Sisodia criticized the Centre for delaying the release of ₹60,000 crore, claiming the funds were essential for large-scale relief operations. He urged Prime Minister Modi to make an announcement during his scheduled visit to Punjab on September 9.
“It is good that the PM is coming. But before his visit, the rightful funds of Punjab should be released. Only then can flood relief work move at the speed required,” Sisodia said.
He also noted that Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan had already visited Punjab, but no significant financial assistance had been announced yet.
Union Minister Calls It a Calamity
A few days earlier, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan described the situation in Punjab as a “calamity.” He noted that the standing crops were destroyed and warned that the next harvest could also be at risk due to silt accumulation.
Sisodia, however, dismissed Chouhan’s remarks blaming “illegal mining” for worsening the floods. He termed it “political rhetoric” and said the government should instead focus on practical solutions.
Punjab Battles Worst Floods in Decades
Punjab is currently facing one of its worst floods in decades. Heavy rainfall in catchment areas of the Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi rivers caused widespread flooding across the state. Authorities have reported significant damage to crops, homes, and infrastructure.
According to local officials, water took 10 to 12 days to recede, much longer than in previous floods such as in 1988, when floodwaters cleared within two days. Sisodia said this delay highlights the “historical severity” of the current disaster and stressed the need for a new perspective in dealing with such calamities.