Punjab has begun a state-wide Special Girdawari to assess losses from recent floods, with over 2,100 patwaris deployed to ensure transparent and timely compensation for affected families.
Transparent and Time-Bound Relief Drive
Punjab Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian announced that the exercise, launched under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s directions, will guarantee compensation for every flood-affected family within 45 days.
“Compensation is not a favour but the right of the affected people,” said Mundian. He added that negligence or deliberate delay by officials would invite strict disciplinary action. The government will monitor the drive daily to maintain transparency and efficiency.
Revenue officials from non-affected areas are being deployed in villages hit by floods to speed up the process. Mundian stressed that fairness, accountability, and quick execution are the top priorities.
Deployment of Patwaris Across Punjab
A total of 2,167 patwaris have been assigned to flood-hit districts. The largest deployments are in Gurdaspur (343), Hoshiarpur (291), Amritsar (196), and Kapurthala (149). Teams will conduct field inspections to document damage to crops, houses, and livestock.
Residents will also have a week to raise objections to the reports, ensuring corrections are made without delay. Mundian confirmed that Punjab has finalized its highest-ever compensation package for flood victims.
Farmers will receive ₹20,000 per acre for crop loss. Families whose homes collapsed will get ₹1.20 lakh, while partially damaged houses will be compensated with ₹40,000. Livestock compensation includes ₹37,500 for cows or buffaloes and ₹4,000 for goats.
Massive Damage Across Punjab
According to the latest flood report, around 1.98 lakh hectares of farmland have been affected. Major crop losses occurred in Gurdaspur (40,169 hectares), Patiala (17,690 hectares), Fazilka (25,182 hectares), Amritsar (27,154 hectares), and Ferozepur (17,257 hectares).
Other districts such as Tarn Taran, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, Mansa, and Pathankot also reported significant damage. The report confirmed that the official death toll has now reached 56, with one more fatality reported in Moga within the last 24 hours.
Cheques to Be Delivered Within 45 Days
The state government has assured that cheques will be delivered directly to victims within 45 days. In villages where crops have been completely destroyed, the process will be completed within a month to ensure immediate relief.
Compensation for houses and livestock losses will begin from September 15 and will follow the same strict timeline. “The Mann government will not rest until every flood victim is compensated,” Mundian reiterated.
The minister also emphasized that this campaign is not just about recovery but about restoring the dignity and rights of those affected by the disaster.