Punjab Govt Launches Special Girdawari for Flood-Affected Farmers
Chandigarh/Kapurthala – The Punjab government has ordered a special girdawari to assess crop damage and losses caused by floods across several districts. The announcement was made by Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Minister S. Hardeep Singh Mundian during his visit to Sultanpur Lodhi’s flood-affected villages on Wednesday.
Mundian assured farmers and residents that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s government will provide full support during this crisis. He emphasized that the administration is committed to compensating affected families swiftly once official assessments are completed.
“Deputy Commissioners have been instructed to carry out the special girdawari as soon as the water recedes and submit reports quickly. The state will ensure timely compensation,” Mundian said while meeting residents of Baupur Jadeed and Sangra villages.
Relief Operations Underway Across Districts
The minister revealed that relief operations are ongoing in Kapurthala, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, and Fazilka. These efforts are being supervised by a ministerial committee to ensure effective coordination. Cabinet ministers have been visiting villages to meet affected families, distribute aid, and monitor the relief work directly.
In Kapurthala district alone, ₹2 crore has been released to support relief measures. These include providing rations, drinking water, medicines, and veterinary healthcare services. “We are making sure that no family or farmer is left without essential support,” Mundian stated.
He further disclosed that additional State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams are being deployed to speed up assistance. During his visit, Mundian personally distributed dry rations, medicines, and water to affected households, traveling by boat to reach isolated areas.
Focus on Health and Livestock Protection
The minister instructed administrative officers to step up health and sanitation measures. Continuous fogging has been ordered to prevent mosquito breeding, while health department teams are conducting regular checkups. Special awareness drives are also being launched to prevent outbreaks of skin infections and waterborne diseases.
Mundian placed particular emphasis on livestock care, recognizing the importance of animals to rural livelihoods. Veterinary doctors have been directed to visit flood-hit villages to examine and treat livestock. “The health of our animals is as important as the wellbeing of our people,” he said.
Strengthening Flood Prevention Measures
Responding to queries on long-term measures, Mundian announced that the Punjab government will launch a state-wide campaign to strengthen Dhussi and advance bundhs. He reassured people that the bundhs are secure at present but stressed that proactive reinforcement is essential to reduce risks in the future.
Earlier in the day, the minister chaired a meeting with district officials at the rest house. He reviewed water release patterns from dams and assessed river flow conditions. He also directed officers to prepare detailed reports on affected areas and coordinate with disaster management teams for faster relief.
Government’s Commitment to Support
While addressing the public, Mundian saluted the courage of affected villagers and assured them of the government’s full backing. “The Mann government stands with you in these difficult times. Every effort will be made to support families until normalcy is restored,” he said.
Senior officials present included Deputy Commissioner Amit Kumar Panchal, Kapurthala Municipal Improvement Trust Chairman Sajjan Singh Cheema, SSP Gaurav Toora, and other department representatives.
The government’s rapid response, including both financial assistance and preventive health measures, highlights its effort to minimize the long-term impact of floods on Punjab’s rural communities.