Punjab Declared 'Severely Flooded': Centre Pledges Enhanced Aid for Recovery

In a significant development bringing much-anticipated relief to Punjab, the Union Government has officially agreed to declare the state as 'severely flooded.' This crucial decision, following persistent appeals from Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, paves the way for Punjab to receive enhanced financial assistance from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) under special calamity norms.

The declaration comes on the heels of unprecedented monsoon fury that gripped Punjab during July and August, unleashing widespread devastation across numerous districts.

The torrential rains and subsequent overflowing rivers led to a catastrophic deluge, impacting over 1.5 lakh acres of standing crops and severely damaging thousands of homes. The estimated losses, running into thousands of crores, had placed an immense burden on the state's resources and the livelihoods of its citizens.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had personally championed the state's cause, urging the Centre to recognize the scale of the disaster and provide the necessary support for recovery and rebuilding.

His efforts culminated in a positive response, acknowledging the dire situation Punjab found itself in. The decision was communicated to the state by Union Home Minister Amit Shah's office, marking a pivotal moment in the state's battle against the aftermath of the floods.

Under the existing NDRF guidelines, states declared as having experienced a 'calamity of severe nature' are eligible for a higher quantum of central assistance, tailored to the extensive damage incurred.

This categorisation is distinct from 'calamity of a severe nature' and implies a greater degree of central financial intervention and support, crucial for long-term rehabilitation and infrastructure repair.

A central team had previously visited Punjab to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the flood damage, a standard procedure before such a declaration is made.

Their findings undoubtedly corroborated the extensive destruction reported by the state government, reinforcing the necessity of classifying the event as a 'severe flood.'

This move aligns Punjab with other states like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, which had also faced severe monsoon-related calamities and subsequently received similar classifications.

For Punjab, the declaration means not just immediate financial aid but also a stronger framework for sustained recovery, enabling farmers, homeowners, and local communities to rebuild their lives with greater support from the Centre. The focus now shifts to the swift disbursement of funds and the implementation of robust rehabilitation projects to mitigate the long-term impact of this natural disaster.