Chandigarh – Punjab Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal has called upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi to extend urgent financial assistance to flood-hit Punjab, demanding immediate compensation of at least ₹25,000 crore and the release of pending dues worth ₹60,000 crore.
The appeal came ahead of the Prime Minister’s scheduled visit to the state, nearly 25 days after devastating floods left vast areas submerged, destroying crops, damaging infrastructure, and affecting millions of residents.
Crops, Schools, and Power Infrastructure Hit Hard
According to preliminary assessments, nearly four lakh acres of crops have been destroyed across Punjab. While embankments maintained by the Water Resources Department withstood the floods, overflowing rivers caused extensive damage to protective bunds and surrounding infrastructure.
Goyal noted that large-scale restoration projects will be required once floodwaters recede. He highlighted major losses suffered by the Punjab Mandi Board due to damaged roads. Nearly 3,300 schools and colleges were impacted, thousands of electricity poles collapsed, and several transformers were submerged. “Urgent funds are required to restore these essential facilities,” he stressed.
Punjab’s Role in Nation-Building ‘Unmatched’
The minister expressed disappointment that despite Punjab’s unmatched contribution to nation-building, the Union Government has not yet announced a substantial relief package. He criticized what he described as a “step-motherly attitude” towards the state, pointing out that special packages were swiftly extended to other states facing natural disasters while Punjab continues to wait.
“The Centre rushed relief material to earthquake-hit Afghanistan, yet Punjab is still waiting for meaningful assistance. People here are suffering, but only reports are being collected instead of action,” he remarked.
Demand for Flexibility in Disaster Funds
Punjab currently has around ₹13,000 crore in its Disaster Management Fund. However, Goyal said rigid central conditions have prevented the state from utilizing the money effectively. He urged the Union Government to relax the norms, allowing the state to use the funds as per its needs.
He further criticized the Centre for fixing a meagre ₹8,200 per acre as compensation for crop losses under disaster relief norms. “States should be allowed autonomy to decide compensation since they are more aware of ground realities,” he argued.
Criticism of Centre’s Approach
The minister strongly condemned Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s recent remarks linking floods with mining, terming them “insensitive” and “an act of rubbing salt into Punjab’s wounds.”
He also flagged the Centre’s inaction over potash reserves discovered in Punjab’s border belt. While Rajasthan was swiftly granted drilling permissions at 150 sites followed by auctions, Punjab was allowed only nine drilling sites, with no significant progress despite repeated reminders.
Call for Generosity from Prime Minister
Goyal welcomed Prime Minister Modi’s scheduled visit but reminded him that the PM has not yet spoken publicly about Punjab’s flood crisis. He appealed for generosity and compassion in dealing with the calamity.
“The people of Punjab need immediate help. This is the time for the Prime Minister to show magnanimity by announcing adequate relief and clearing long-pending dues,” he said.