Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan Pledges Full Central Support to Flood-Ravaged Amritsar, Lowers Crop Damage Threshold

In the wake of relentless monsoon rains that have brought widespread devastation to Punjab, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan made a crucial visit to the flood-affected areas of Amritsar. His presence underscored the central government's deep concern and unwavering commitment to assisting the state through this challenging period.

Touring villages submerged by floodwaters and witnessing the heartbreaking destruction of crops firsthand, Minister Chouhan engaged directly with distressed farmers.

Their stories painted a stark picture of ruined livelihoods and profound uncertainty, prompting a direct and empathetic response from the Union Minister.

A significant announcement emerged from his visit: the central government has lowered the threshold for crop damage compensation. Farmers who have suffered a 25% or greater loss to their crops will now be eligible for compensation from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).

This crucial adjustment, previously set at 33%, is expected to bring relief to a much wider array of farmers grappling with significant agricultural losses.

During his assessment, Minister Chouhan issued clear directives to district officials, emphasizing the critical need for swift, accurate, and transparent damage assessments.

He stressed that every effort must be made to ensure that no affected individual or family is overlooked, and that aid reaches those who need it most without delay.

The Minister reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi's personal concern over the flood situation across northern states, including Punjab.

He assured the state government and its citizens that the Centre stands firmly by them, ready to provide all necessary support for relief, rehabilitation, and long-term recovery efforts. "The Union government is fully committed to standing shoulder to shoulder with Punjab during this crisis," Chouhan stated, highlighting the coordinated approach between central and state authorities.

Beyond immediate relief, discussions also touched upon more sustainable solutions.

Chouhan highlighted the importance of implementing long-term strategies, such as river management projects and comprehensive canal cleaning initiatives, to mitigate the impact of future floods. He met with Punjab Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh and other senior district officials, where comprehensive strategies for both immediate aid and future resilience were deliberated.

As Amritsar grapples with the aftermath of nature's fury, Minister Chouhan's visit brought not just assurances but concrete action and a renewed sense of hope.

The central government's commitment to expediting aid and lowering compensation thresholds is a critical step towards helping the region rebuild and recover from the extensive damage caused by the recent deluge.