Punjab Faces Worst Floods in Half a Century
Chandigarh, September 1: Punjab is reeling under the most devastating floods in 50 years, with widespread damage to life, property, crops, and livestock. Sangrur MP Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting a special central relief package for the flood-hit state.
In his letter, Meet Hayer urged the Centre to provide ₹20,000 crore as immediate interim relief, followed by a larger package after comprehensive loss assessment. He also called for the release of pending ₹60,000 crore funds to help Punjab recover quickly. Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has also appealed for urgent central intervention.
“Punjab is the nation’s food bowl. These floods will impact the country’s food reserves. Immediate support is crucial,” said Meet Hayer.
Devastation Across Farmland and Livelihoods
The floods have caused extensive damage to crops, livestock, infrastructure, and human settlements. The peak harvest season was disrupted, resulting in the destruction of vast stretches of farmland. Dairy farming and other livestock-based livelihoods are also severely affected due to loss of cattle and fodder.
Meet Hayer highlighted that the floods could have a direct impact on national food security, given Punjab’s pivotal role in wheat and rice production. He emphasized that the Centre must act swiftly to support the state and mitigate long-term consequences.
Causes of the Floods and River Levels
According to the MP, heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir has caused the water level in the Ravi River to rise sharply. The Ranjit Sagar Dam increased by 25 feet in 10 days, leading to higher water releases than in 1988, flooding nearly 300 villages in the Majha region.
Similarly, excess water from Pong Dam into the Beas River caused flooding in Kapurthala and Hoshiarpur, while rainfall in Himachal Pradesh raised Bhakra Dam levels, triggering severe flooding along the Sutlej River. Continuous rains also kept the Ghaggar River on high alert, exacerbating the situation across Punjab.
Demand for Special Relief and Infrastructure Restoration
Meet Hayer requested that the central package should include:
- Adequate compensation for flood-affected families
- Reconstruction of damaged infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and public buildings
- Restoration of irrigation systems to revive agriculture
- Strengthening river embankments, including Ghaggar River, to at least 4.5 feet high for future protection
He further urged the Prime Minister and senior central leaders to visit Punjab, similar to the recent assessment in Jammu & Kashmir, to witness the ground-level situation firsthand.
Urgency for National Food Security
The MP warned that delayed relief could impact wheat and rice production, affecting national food reserves. “The Centre must recognize Punjab’s importance in feeding the nation. Swift intervention will prevent long-term economic and social losses,” he said.
Meet Hayer also stressed that relief measures should prioritize both immediate and long-term rehabilitation, ensuring flood-affected families can rebuild their lives quickly.