Chandigarh: Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Saturday provided a grim overview of the state’s unprecedented flood crisis, describing it as the worst in five decades.
The relentless rainfall in Punjab and neighbouring hilly states has triggered widespread devastation, affecting almost 2,000 villages across all districts.
Over 4,00,000 citizens have been impacted, with 43 reported deaths in 14 districts. The agricultural sector, a cornerstone of the state’s economy, has suffered extensively, with 1,72,000 hectares of farmland damaged in 18 districts.
Additionally, infrastructure, homes, and livestock have sustained significant losses. The Ghaggar River’s water level has also surpassed its danger mark of 750 feet.
The Finance Minister said that the Punjab government has responded to the unprecedented floods with prompt action and empathy. He emphasised the need for accountability and support from the BJP-led Union government, stressing that this crisis demands a collaborative response rather than political opportunism.
Addressing a press conference held today here at Punjab Bhawan, the Finance Minister Cheema said that despite the scale of destruction, the Punjab government has mounted a swift and coordinated response.
He said that more than 22,000 people have been evacuated to safer locations. Approximately 200 relief camps have been established across the state, currently sheltering over 7,000 displaced individuals. Rescue and relief operations are being carried out by 24 teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and 2 teams from the
State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), supported by 144 boats and a government helicopter.
“The Chief Minister, senior party leaders, cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament, MLAs, and party senior leaders and workers are actively present at ground zero, working shoulder to shoulder with citizens. The entire government machinery, Gram Panchayats and NGOs are operating around the clock to ensure the safety and well-being of those affected”, said Cheema.
The minister further disclosed that the Revenue Department has released Rs 71 crore to support relief efforts.