Chandigarh/Dhuri, October 15
Fulfilling its commitment to provide relief before Diwali, the Punjab Government, under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has released the first installment of ₹209 crore for flood victims across the state, with ₹3.50 crore allocated for Sangrur district. Finance and Planning Minister Harpal Cheema launched the relief distribution in Dhuri today by handing over sanction letters to eight affected families.
Addressing the gathering, Cheema announced that 13 Cabinet Ministers are visiting flood-hit areas statewide as part of Mission Rehabilitation to distribute aid. He highlighted that Chief Minister Mann initiated the mission in Ajnala, distributing ₹5.70 crore to 631 farmers. For the first time in India, farmers are receiving ₹20,000 per acre for crop damage, while affected households will get ₹40,000 for damaged homes, a significant increase from the previous ₹4,000.
Cheema emphasized that the Punjab Government stands with its people in times of crisis. He noted that heavy rains caused extensive crop and property damage, but timely rescue and relief efforts minimized losses. He praised the Sangrur district administration for preventing a breach in the Ghaggar River, which was managed despite water levels reaching 755 feet, compared to the typical breach point of 747 feet.
The minister criticized the Central Government for discriminatory treatment, urging it to promptly release the promised ₹1600 crore aid announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He clarified that the ₹240 crore received from the Centre is merely part of the annual installment.
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Deputy Commissioner Rahul Chaba detailed the proactive measures taken to combat the floods in Sangrur, noting that no breach occurred along the 41-kilometer stretch of the Ghaggar River due to advance preparations. He thanked the Punjab Government for the timely release of funds.
The event was attended by Punjab State Food Commission member Jasvir Singh Sekhon, Additional Deputy Commissioner Amit Bamby, SDM Rishabh Bansal, Dhuri Market Committee Chairman Rajwant Singh Ghuli, Anwar Bhasaur, Soni Mander, and many local residents.
