Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has sharply criticized the Centre’s Punjab flood relief package of ₹1,600 crore, calling it inadequate against the state’s massive losses. Mann said the initial damage assessment stands at ₹13,800 crore and may rise further, making the Centre’s aid “just a drop in the ocean.” He also rejected opposition claims that Punjab has ₹12,000 crore unused in its State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) account, insisting the balance is less than ₹2,000 crore.
The floods, the worst in decades, were triggered by overflowing Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi rivers, coupled with heavy rainfall in Punjab and catchment areas in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir. The disaster has killed at least 55 people, affected nearly four lakh residents, and damaged crops across 1.93 lakh hectares of farmland.
Mann’s Attack on Centre’s Flood Package
Mann accused the BJP-led central government of withholding crucial funds, including ₹8,000 crore from the Rural Development Fund and nearly ₹50,000 crore of Punjab’s GST share. “If we are given our rightful share, we can handle Punjab flood relief ourselves. We don’t need special packages,” he told NDTV.
He alleged political bias, stating that non-BJP states often face such financial roadblocks. “What will we do with ₹1,600 crore when the loss is over ₹13,800 crore?” Mann asked, questioning the Centre’s seriousness in helping Punjab recover.
Relief and Rescue Operations in Full Swing
So far, 14 Army columns, eight NDRF teams, two SDRF squads, and engineer task forces have been deployed for rescue and rehabilitation. Statewide efforts are underway to prevent outbreaks of water-borne diseases. Over 2,000 villages remain impacted as relief operations continue.
FAQs
Q: What is the current loss estimate in Punjab due to floods?
A: Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann said the initial loss estimate is ₹13,800 crore, much higher than the Centre’s Punjab flood relief package.
Q: How much aid has the Centre given Punjab for flood relief?
A: The Centre has announced ₹1,600 crore for Punjab flood relief, but the state government says it is insufficient.
Q: Did Punjab have ₹12,000 crore unused in the SDRF account?
A: Mann clarified the SDRF balance is under ₹2,000 crore, dismissing BJP’s ₹12,000 crore claim.
Q: How many people have been affected by the floods in Punjab?
A: Around four lakh people and 2,000 villages have been impacted, with crops damaged on nearly 1.93 lakh hectares.
