Sukhbir Singh Badal announces comprehensive relief programme for flood-affected Punjab farmers
PTC Web Desk: Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Monday announced an extensive programme to help flood-affected farmers and residents in Punjab, focusing on both immediate relief and long-term agricultural support.
The announcement followed an emergency meeting of senior SAD leaders and district presidents tasked with implementing the relief measures. Sukhbir Singh Badal revealed that 500 trucks of maize silage and 500 trucks of compressed hay have been booked for distribution at the village level to support livestock in flooded areas. He further stated that 500 fogging machines will be deployed, operated by party volunteers, to prevent malaria and other waterborne diseases.
Looking ahead, the SAD president said the party would distribute certified wheat seeds for one lakh acres, along with 30,000 quintals of seeds to fulfill ration needs in flood-affected regions. Additionally, 125 medical camps led by doctors and staff from Guru Ramdas Hospital, Amritsar, and 25 veterinary teams have been set up to ensure human and animal welfare. Volunteers will also assist in clearing sand from farmlands.
The SAD chief demanded loan waivers for flood-affected farmers from both the central and state governments, stating that a six-month moratorium would be insufficient for farmers who need two–three years to recover. He also called for an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh per deceased person, Rs 1 lakh per lost animal, compensation for crop losses irrespective of land ownership, and support for ‘kutcha’ land cultivators.
Calling on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to announce an Rs 20,000 crore flood relief package, Sukhbir Singh Badal urged the formation of a special monitoring committee to ensure proper utilisation of funds. He criticised the state AAP government, highlighting that mandatory flood control meetings were not held and local embankments were not strengthened, aggravating the suffering of the people.
He appealed to industries and citizens to step forward in aiding flood victims, emphasising that while Punjabis have helped disaster-hit regions elsewhere, assistance to Punjab during this crisis remains inadequate.
- PTC NEWS
