Punjab Government Fulfils Promise, Releases First Instalment of ₹3.5 Crore Compensation for Flood Victims in Sangrur District

Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema launches compensation distribution from Dhuri
State’s timely action helped avert major losses; urges Centre to release ₹1,600 crore aid soon

Chandigarh, Oct 2025 : Fulfilling its promise to provide compensation and relief to flood victims before Diwali — within 30 days — the Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has released the first instalment of ₹209 crore for the state. Out of this, ₹3.5 crore has been allocated for flood victims in Sangrur district.

Punjab Finance and Planning Minister Harpal Singh Cheema kickstarted the compensation distribution drive today by handing over approval letters to eight flood-affected families in the Dhuri constituency.

Speaking on the occasion, Cheema said that 13 Cabinet Ministers across Punjab were simultaneously visiting flood-affected regions under the “Mission Punervaas” (Mission Rehabilitation) to distribute relief funds. He recalled that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann had launched this mission from Ajnala, where he distributed cheques worth ₹5.70 crore to 631 farmers. “For the first time in the country’s history, farmers are being compensated at the rate of ₹20,000 per acre,” he said, adding that the Punjab Government stands firmly with its people in every joy and sorrow.

Cheema noted that heavy rainfall and floods had caused widespread crop damage across the state, while many houses and buildings had collapsed. Relief funds are being provided to each affected family after proper damage assessment. “For the first time, owners of damaged houses will receive ₹40,000 each, compared to the earlier compensation of only ₹4,000. Farmers will get ₹20,000 per acre for crop losses,” he added.

Reaffirming the state’s compassion, Cheema said that “Punjab and Punjabis have always stood shoulder to shoulder with victims of natural calamities.” However, he criticised the Central Government for “discriminating against Punjab and its people in every sphere,” and urged the Centre to immediately release the ₹1,600 crore in flood relief aid announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to the state. He clarified that the ₹240 crore recently released by the Centre was merely part of an annual instalment, not the special relief fund.

Highlighting the government’s preparedness, Cheema said that Punjab successfully managed the flood crisis with the cooperation of its people. “If rescue and relief operations had not been launched promptly, the damage could have been far greater,” he remarked. He also praised the Sangrur district administration, noting that in previous years, the embankments of the Ghaggar River would break when water levels reached 747 feet, but this time, even at 755 feet, the situation remained under control.

Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Rahul Chaba briefed the gathering about the extensive efforts taken to mitigate the impact of the floods and thanked the Punjab Government for promptly releasing the compensation. He said that, following the government’s directives, advance measures were taken to handle emergencies, ensuring that not a single embankment along the 41-kilometre stretch of the Ghaggar River in Sangrur was breached, despite heavy rainfall.

The event was also attended by Jasvir Singh Sekhon, Member of the Punjab State Food Commission; Additional Deputy Commissioner Amit Bambi; SDM Rishabh Bansal; Dhuri Market Committee Chairman Rajwant Singh Ghuli; local leaders Anwar Bhasaur and Soni Mandar; and a large number of local residents.

The Punjab Government’s swift and transparent response not only provided immediate relief to the flood victims but also demonstrated its commitment to protecting lives, rebuilding livelihoods, and ensuring that those affected by natural disasters are not left behind.