Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan Assesses Punjab's Flood Crisis, Pledges Swift Support

In a swift response to Punjab's escalating flood crisis, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan embarked on an urgent visit to the state, personally assessing the widespread devastation and pledging robust central support. His arrival underscored the Central government's deep concern over the catastrophic impact of the incessant rains and the overflowing Ghaggar river, which have ravaged vast swathes of agricultural land and disrupted daily life.

Upon reaching Punjab, Minister Chouhan immediately engaged in crucial discussions with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

During their high-level meeting, CM Mann presented a comprehensive overview of the ground situation, highlighting the extensive losses suffered by farmers and the state's infrastructure. He appealed for an urgent financial aid package of Rs 1000 crore from the Centre, alongside a special economic relief package specifically tailored to compensate farmers for their crop losses, particularly for paddy, maize, cotton, and various vegetable crops that have been submerged and destroyed.

Minister Chouhan, expressing profound sympathy for the affected populace, assured CM Mann of the Union government's unwavering commitment to Punjab's recovery.

He stated unequivocally that the Centre stands firmly with the state during this challenging period. To facilitate a precise understanding of the damage, he announced that a dedicated central team would soon visit Punjab to conduct a thorough and scientific assessment of the agricultural and infrastructural destruction.

This assessment would be crucial for determining the extent of central assistance required.

Beyond the immediate relief, the discussions also delved into long-term strategies for flood mitigation. Both leaders acknowledged the recurring nature of such disasters and the imperative to develop sustainable solutions to protect the state from future deluges.

The minister emphasized the need for a collaborative approach, combining state and central resources and expertise to implement effective flood control measures.

The minister's itinerary included aerial surveys and ground visits to some of the hardest-hit districts, including Patiala, Sangrur, Barnala, Ferozepur, Fazilka, and Mansa.

These areas have borne the brunt of the floodwaters, with farmers facing the daunting prospect of recovering from extensive crop damage, loss of livestock, and destruction of their homes and livelihoods. The visual evidence of submerged fields and damaged infrastructure further solidified the urgency of the relief efforts.

This visit by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan serves as a strong reaffirmation of the Centre's commitment to supporting Punjab through its hour of crisis, promising not just immediate relief but also a concerted effort towards building resilience against future natural calamities.